Chapter 7B

Question 1

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Answer 1

Federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level.

Question 2

Chloro-flouro Carbons (CFCs)

Answer 2

A fluid, containing hydrocarbons that absorbs heat from a reservoir at low temperatures and rejects heat at higher temperatures. When emitted into the atmosphere, CFCs cause depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.

Question 3

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Answer 3

Enacted in 1974, a federal law intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public.

Question 4

Septic System

Answer 4

A small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.

Question 5

Underground Storage Tanks

Answer 5

A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground.

Question 6

Asbestos

Answer 6

A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.

Question 7

Asbestosis

Answer 7

A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Question 8

Lead

Answer 8

A material used in pipes and paint of many older homes. We now know that lead is hazardous to health. The local environmental protection agency should be consulted for guidelines on handling, removal and applicable laws.

Question 9

Radon

Answer 9

A colorless, odorless gas that is emitted from soils, rocks and water as a result of radioactive decay in certain areas of the country. Radon is known to cause cancer. Homes should be tested for radon. The local environmental agency should be consulted on its handling, removal and any applicable laws.

Question 10

Wetlands

Answer 10

An area that is inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas, but exclude irrigation ditches unless delineated as part of an adjacent wetland.

Question 11

Due Diligence

Answer 11

The review and investigation of a property to evaluate any legal liability.

Question 12

Underground Storage Tanks

Answer 12

A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground.

Question 13

Electro-magnetic Field

Answer 13

Created when electricity flows through a wire.

Question 14

Chloro-flouro Carbons (CFCs)

Answer 14

A fluid, containing hydrocarbons, that absorbs heat from a reservoir at low temperatures and rejects heat at higher temperatures. When emitted into the atmosphere, CFCs cause depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.

Question 15

Freon

Answer 15

Moderately toxic gases or liquids which have typically been used as refrigerants (in air conditioning units) and as aerosol propellants.

Question 16

Mold

Answer 16

A fungus that grows in the form of multi-cellular filaments called hyphae.

Question 17

Groundwater

Answer 17

Water located beneath the earth’s surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations.

Question 18

Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)

Answer 18

A type of foamed in-place insulation that releases formaldehyde gas. It was banned by the Consumer Public Safety Commission in 1982 from use in residences and schools. Holding that the risks had not been proven, a Federal Court lifted the ban in 1983. The local consumer and/or environmental protection agency should be consulted for additional information on this type of insulation.

Question 19

Mesothelioma

Answer 19

A cancer of mesothelial tissue, associated especially with exposure to asbestos.

Question 20

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Answer 20

Enacted in 1980, a federal law designed to clean up sites contaminated with hazardous substances.

Question 21

Chlordane

Answer 21

A colorless, odorless, viscous liquid used as an insecticide. It may be toxic to humans and wildlife as a result of its effect on the nervous system.

Question 22

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer 22

Established in 1965, HUD works to create a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans; it does this by addressing housing needs, improving and developing American communities, and enforcing fair housing laws.

Question 23

Friable

Answer 23

Easily crumbled or reduced to powder. Asbestos is an example of a friable substance.

Question 24

Poly-chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Answer 24

Were widely used as dielectric and coolant fluids, for example in transformers, capacitors, and electric motors.

Question 25

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act

Answer 25

Enacted in 1986, made several important changes and additions to CERCLA, including minimum cleanup requirements.