Environmental Issues

Question 1

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Answer 1

Federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level. Refers to things like smoke stacks, car emissions, air conditioners and fridges. 1970s

Question 2

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Answer 2

Federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level. Refers to things like smoke stacks, car emissions, air conditioners and fridges., CFCs 1970s
-Nixon

Question 3

Asbestos

Answer 3

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 4

Asbestos

Answer 4

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. (causes mesothelioma cancer)
-only needs to be removed if it’s friable (crumbly)

Question 5

Lead

Answer 5

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 6

Lead

Answer 6

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.

• kids can be developmentally disabled if they eat it
• if a landlord doesn’t remediate a lead paint violation, it may be considered a criminal offense
• lead can only be absorbed in still water
• Sanding lead paint will create harmful lead dust, which can spread through the air
• Salespersons must deliver to buyer and tenants the Residential Lead Paint Hazard Disclosure Form for properties built prior to 1978.

Question 7

Title X (ten)

Answer 7

• Title X (10) of the Federal Code explains the public’s responsibilities regarding lead paint
• Requires brokers and salespersons to deliver a Lead-Based Paint Hazard Disclosure form (for buildings constructed prior to 1978) to new buyers and tenants
• Lead paint disclosure forms should be kept forever

Question 8

Radon

Answer 8

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 (second largest cause in US).

• Homes should be tested for radon. The local environmental agency should be consulted on its handling, removal and any applicable laws.
• can dissolve in water and seep in as gas through cracks in foundation
• Private wells are more likely to become contaminated with radon
• geologically follows mineral structures (swampy or mountainous)

Question 9

Wetlands

Answer 9

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 10

Due Diligence

Answer 10

The review and investigation of a property to evaluate any legal liability (homework) Do yo research

Question 11

PCBs (Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls)

Answer 11

liquids that were used to cool power plants, not good when this stuff gets in water. Can lead to cancer
(contemporary issues)

Question 12

Environmental Assessments

Answer 12

Phase 1: Investigation (paper investigation)
Phase 2: Testing Phase (if no reason to believe there is contamination, testing isn’t required.)
-During phase 2, an engineer tests the water and soil quality of the site
Phase 3: Remediation

Question 13

Underground Storage Tanks

Answer 13

A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. (over 1100 gallons in capacity would be strictly regulated)

• used for storage or petrolium or chemicals
• always possibility of leakage
• NYC conservation regulated by

Question 14

Electro-magnetic Field

Answer 14

Created when electricity flows through a wire

• prudent avoidance if you fear these fields acknowledging these potential risks
• emitted from power plants

Question 15

CFC (Chloro-flouro Carbons)

Chlorine + Fluorine + Carbon = CFC

Answer 15

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.

• regulated by the CAA
• these substances can leak up into the air
• Ozone = 3 O2 atoms. The Chlorine can detach a O2 molecule from the ozone layer and break it down
• Causes melanoma, cataracts, hurts marine life
• Montreal Protocol forbids the use of CFCs in building systems

Question 16

Freon

Answer 16

Moderately toxic gases or liquids which have typically been used as refrigerants (in air conditioning units) and as aerosol propellants.
-refridgerant used in air conditioners that historically contained CFCs

Question 17

Mold

Answer 17

A fungus that grows in the form of multi-cellular filaments called hyphae
-needs moisture to grow

Question 18

Contemporary Issues

Answer 18

• Asbestos
• Lead Paint
• Radon
• PCBs
• CFC

Question 19

Groundwater

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Answer 20

Enacted in 1974, a federal law intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public
-associated with 1969 river fire accident

Question 21

Sewage/Septic Systems

Answer 21

• On site waste water treatment
• In larger towns and cities, water and sewage systems are treated by the municipality
• In small towns and rural areas, each individual home owner handles their own water/sewage treatment (septic tank)
• well needs to be 50ft from septic tank and 100ft from absorption field

Question 22

Protect Your Family Pamphlet

Answer 22

Has info for people about potential lead hazards. Have to deliver this info

Question 23

Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)

Answer 23

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.

• can mold to conditions behind the wall. Helps with heat transfer
• Formaldehyde is the problem in UFFIs - its a carcinogen
• Toxic gases can escape into our breathing space - off gassing

Question 24

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Chlordane

Answer 25

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.
-pesticide

Question 26

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer 26

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 27

Environmental Impact Statement

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act

Answer 28

Enacted in 1986, made several important changes and additions to CERCLA, including minimum cleanup requirements.
-federal funds that accompanies CERCLA for environmental remediation