Chapter 9A - Environmental Issues and Property Concerns

Question 1

Asbestos

Answer 1

Used as fireproof insulation, friable and causes breathing problems, throat and lung cancer. Must be encapsulated - sealed to prevent flaking

Question 2

Carbon Monoxide

Answer 2

Natural byproduct of combustion - colorless and odorless, stops blood from being able to absorb oxygen. CO detecters required in all new homes, all rental properties, and in existing homes upon sale.

Question 3

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Answer 3

Coolant in refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers known to deplete the ozone layer.

Question 4

Due Diligence

Answer 4

Investigation to find facts and liabilities about a property prior to its purchase

Question 5

Electromagnetic Fields

Answer 5

Invisible, produced by electrically charged objects - high tension power lines, transformers, etc. May cause cancer.

Question 6

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Answer 6

Details a project’s impact on energy use, sewage systems, drainage, water, schools, etc. Impact on environment.

Question 7

External Environmental Hazards

Answer 7

Concerns outside boundaries of a property - nearby landfills with toxic substances, polluted waterways, smog from nearby factories.

Question 8

External Obsolescence

Answer 8

Interference of quiet enjoyment of property coming from outside property - airport noise pollution.

Question 9

Freon

Answer 9

Trademarked name for Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Question 10

Friable

Answer 10

Easily crumbled

Question 11

Groundwater

Answer 11

Naturally occurring underground water. Can become contaminated, and home’s water supply can come from that water. NYS requires seller to disclose source of water supply - well, private, or municipal.

Question 12

High Tension Power Lines

Answer 12

Large transmission cables carrying electric power

Question 13

Internal Environmental Hazards

Answer 13

Hazrds within a property.

Question 14

Methamphetamine

Answer 14

Meth (illegal drug) created in labs - highly combustible and explosive, production leaves toxic residue and property becomes mini-waste site.

Question 15

Mold

Answer 15

Fungus that can be toxic - causes fatigue, sickness, and digestive, neurological and immune system problems.

Question 16

Mycotoxin

Answer 16

Toxic substances produced by some molds.

Question 17

Nuisance

Answer 17

Anything that interferes with the owner’s right of quiet enjoyment.

Question 18

Radon Gas

Answer 18

Radioactive gas that natural occurs in rocks, soil, and water from uranium decay. Differs site by site, should be tested.

Question 19

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

Answer 19

Requires disclosure of lead based paint hazards on homes built before 1978. Must disclose known paint in home, reports from lead tests, pamphlets on how to protect families from lead paint, and gives homebuyers a 10 day period to conduct inspection on their own expense.

Question 20

Sick Building Syndrome

Answer 20

People suffer from headaches, nausea, sore throat, nose/eye irritation, and other symptoms only while in a building with poor ventilation.

Question 21

Stachybotrys

Answer 21

Black mold. Highly toxic.

Question 22

Transformers

Answer 22

Transfers power between circuits

Question 23

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Answer 23

Fuel tanks for gas, oil and chemicals - leaks can lead to contaminated drinking water

Question 24

Urea-formaldehyde

Answer 24

Used in manufacturing, insulation, and under carpeting - causes breathing problems nd cancer

Question 25

Wetlands

Answer 25

Ecosystems where land is permeated with water.