Environmental Issues Flashcards
asbestos
a mineral that has insulation and fire resistant properties that was widely used in construction. Under certain conditions it is considered hazardous.
brownfield
a former industrial, factory, manufacturing, or storage site that may have environmentally hazardous waste on or under it from previous use
building related illness (BRI)
a general term used to describe various health issues related to the indoor air quality of a building
carbon monoxide
a potentially deadly gas that occurs naturally in the burning of oil, gas, or other fuels
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
gases previously used in aerosol cans and refrigeration equipment thought to damage the earth’s ozone layer
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980
federal legislation designed to identify sites of environmental pollution and provide funds, called the Superfund, for cleanup
environmental assessments
the examination of a property for the presence of environmentally hazardous material
environmental impact statement
a study of the potential environmental impacts of a project, often required as part of the approval process by the local government
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
the federal agency responsible for dealing with environmental issues