Chapter 7.B: Environmental Issues

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Question 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.

*Chlorine + Fluorine + Carbon

Answer 2

Chloro-Fluoro Carbons (CFC’s)

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Septic System

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Underground Storage Tanks

Question 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.

Answer 6

Asbestos

Question 7

A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Answer 7

Asbestosis

Question 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.

Answer 8

Lead

Question 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.

Answer 9

Radon

Question 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.

Answer 10

Wetlands

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Due Diligence

Question 12

Created when electricity flows through a wire.

Answer 12

Electro-Magnetic Field

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Freon

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Mold

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Groundwater

Question 16

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.

Answer 16

Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Mesothelioma

Question 19

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.

Answer 19

Chlordane

Question 20

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.

Answer 20

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Question 21

A report addressing the potential effects on the environment of a proposed federal government project.

Answer 21

Environmental Impact Statement

Question 22

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

Answer 22

Friable

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act