Chapter 7B Flashcards
Clean Air Act (CAA)
Federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level.
Chloro-flouro Carbons (CFCs)
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.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
Enacted in 1974, a federal law intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public.
Septic System
A small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.
Underground Storage Tanks
A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground.
Asbestos
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.
Asbestosis
A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
Lead
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.
Radon
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.
Wetlands
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.
Due Diligence
The review and investigation of a property to evaluate any legal liability.
Underground Storage Tanks
A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground.
Electro-magnetic Field
Created when electricity flows through a wire.
Chloro-flouro Carbons (CFCs)
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.
Freon
Moderately toxic gases or liquids which have typically been used as refrigerants (in air conditioning units) and as aerosol propellants.
Mold
A fungus that grows in the form of multi-cellular filaments called hyphae.
Groundwater
Water located beneath the earth’s surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations.
Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)
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.
Mesothelioma
A cancer of mesothelial tissue, associated especially with exposure to asbestos.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Enacted in 1980, a federal law designed to clean up sites contaminated with hazardous substances.
Chlordane
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.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
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.
Friable
Easily crumbled or reduced to powder. Asbestos is an example of a friable substance.
Poly-chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Were widely used as dielectric and coolant fluids, for example in transformers, capacitors, and electric motors.
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Enacted in 1986, made several important changes and additions to CERCLA, including minimum cleanup requirements.
