Questions - Chapter 6

Question 1

The type of asbestos that can become airborne particles when you come into physical contact with it is referred to as:

A. friable.
B. nonfriable.
C. encapsulated.
D. organic.

Answer 1

6-1 A

Question 2

The maximum “safe level” of asbestos exposure as determined by the EPA is:

A. l.0 picocuries.
B. 2.0 picocuries.
C. 4.0 picocuries.
D. not known.

Answer 2

6-2 D

Question 3

The predominant health risk of asbestos exposure is to the:

A. central nervous system.
B. lungs.
C. memory.
D. brain.

Answer 3

6-3 B

Question 4

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is emitted by:

A. improperly vented appliances.
B. volatile organic compound paints.
C. decaying uranium deposits.
D. urea-formaldehyde.

Answer 4

6-4 C

Question 5

The EPA ____________ the maximum acceptable level of radon gas in the home.

A. has established as l.0
B. has established as 2.0
C. has established as 4.0
D. has not established

Answer 5

6-5 C

Question 6

According to the Federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard and Reduction Act, which of the following is NOT true?

A. All pre-1978 housing must be tested for lead-based paint.
B. All purchasers of pre-1978 housing must be given 10 days to test for lead-based paint.
C. The buyers and sellers of pre-1978 housing may agree to waive the number of days to test for lead-based paint.
D. Both purchasers and tenants of pre-1978 housing must be given a copy of the EPA pamphlet, “Protect Your Family From Lead In The Home:’

Answer 6

6-6 A

Question 7

The primary source of formaldehyde is from:

A. lead-based paint.
B. radon gas.
C. asbestos.
D. foam insulation.

Answer 7

6-7 D

Question 8

In order to reduce the risk of mold contamination in the home, the homeowner should:

A. control moisture and water intrusion.
B. tightly seal cracks and openings.
C. control the amount of sunlight the home receives.
D. eliminate the opportunity for spores to enter the home.

Answer 8

6-8 A

Question 9

Which of the following represents the best placement for the radon-testing mechanism in order to achieve the most accurate results?

A. on the deck or patio
B. on the lowest living floor
C. on the second living floor
D. in the attic

Answer 9

6-9 B

Question 10

Which of the following is most likely to occur through prolonged mold exposure?

A. central nervous system damage
B. migraine headaches
C. asthma and other respiratory issues
D. liver and kidney diseases

Answer 10

6-10 C

Question 11

In regulations regarding lead-based paints, HUD requires that:

A. all owners of properties built prior to 1978 test for its presence
B. paint must be removed from surfaces before selling
C. known paint hazards must be disclosed
D. only licensed contractors may engage in removal of any lead-based paint

Answer 11

T6-1 C

On all pre-78 homes that are subject to sale or rental the buyer/tenant must receive a disclosure and copies of any and all reports indicating the presence of lead based paint.

Question 12

The purpose of CERCLA is:

A. to create liability and a pool of funds for the cleanup of environmental hazards
B. to regulate the distribution and handling of hazardous materials
C. to inform the public of environmental hazards
D. to regulate the disclosure of environmental hazards in real estate transactions

Answer 12

T6-2 A

CERCLA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) was created to cover the costs of cleaning up environmentally hazardous areas.

Question 13

A colorless, odorless gas that emanates from the ground and can build to dangerous toxic levels in homes is called:

A. asbestos
B. carbon monoxide
C. radon
D. asbestos

Answer 13

T6-3 C

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the presence of underground uranium. It is colorless and odorless and can rise to dangers levels if the home is not well ventilated.

Question 14

A seller has indicated to the listing agent that the heating closet area is lined with asbestos. The seller tells the listing agent that the asbestos was tested and since it was not friable posed no environmental hazard. Which of the following would be an appropriate comment for the listing agent to make to prospective buyers?

A. There is no dangerous asbestos in this home.
B. The asbestos was tested and poses no danger to anyone who occupies the home.
C. The home has asbestos.
D. I am not aware of any dangerous asbestos in the home.

Answer 14

T6-4 C

Licensees should be cautious about characterizing the danger of environmental hazards and should simply disclose if they are aware or should be aware of environmental hazards.

Question 15

The entity in North Carolina that is responsible for environmental and natural resources is:

A. NCREC
B. NCDENR
C. Superfund
D. CERCLA

Answer 15

T6-5 B

NCDENR is the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Question 16

All of the following are correct regarding Superfund and CERCLA, EXCEPT:

A. once a site has been determined to be a Superfund site, the disclosure lasts forever
B. Superfund imposes strict liability
C. current and past owners can be jointly and severally liable
D. only the current owner of a property is liable for its cleanup

Answer 16

T6-6 D

The current owner, past owners and original contaminant can all be held liable under CERCLA.

Question 17

The federal mandatory 10-day inspection period for lead-based paint in pre-1978 residences applies to: I. properties for sale or exchange II. properties for rent or lease

A. I only
B. II only
C. Both I and II
D. Neither I nor II

Answer 17

T6-7 C

The mandatory lead based paint disclosure rule applies to both sales and rentals.

Question 18

Asbestos is most dangerous to consumers and homeowners when:

A. it is wet
B. it is not friable
C. it is moved or relocated
D. it is encapsulated

Answer 18

T6-8 C

Moving or relocating asbestos makes it friable meaning that it’s airborne fibers can be ingested into the lungs. It is safe if it remains encapsulated.

Question 19

What is the best way to correct the possible problems that a home may experience in regard to the buildup of radon gas?

A. ventilation
B. removal of the soil
C. increasing the amount of the home’s insulation
D. radon cannot be remediated once it is present

Answer 19

T6-9 A

Since Radon is a gas it usually poses problems in homes which lack adequate ventilation.

Question 20

Under federal law, the mandatory inspection period regarding lead-based paint is:

A. 3 days
B. 5 days
C. 10 days
D. 15 days

Answer 20

T6-10 C

Question 21

The process of covering a dump site with soil is known as:

A. capping
B. encapsulation
C. backfilling
D. restructuring

Answer 21

T6-11 A

Capping is just the term used to describe the process.

Question 22

How is the human body affected by exposure to lead-based paint?

A. it develops cancer
B. it causes brain damage
C. it causes leukemia
D. it causes mesothelioma

Answer 22

T6-12 B

The ingestion of lead based paint chips is toxic and can cause death or brain damage especially in young children.

Question 23

The disease created by the breathing in of friable asbestos fibers is:

A. mesothelioma
B. brain damage
C. kidney damage
D. heart disease

Answer 23

T6-13 A

Mesothelioma or asbestosis is the cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Question 24

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) contains all of the following provisions, EXCEPT:

A. the ACT created a national database of hazardous waste sites
B. the ACT created joint and several liability for all current and past owners of the property
C. the ACT imposes strict liability for a property owner
D. the ACT requires mandatory inspections for hazardous waste prior to any transfer or purchase of the property

Answer 24

T6-14 D

Inspections are not mandatory, but a buyer should conduct due diligence regarding the presence of hazardous waste. CERCLA also known as Superfund created joint and several liability of all property owners meaning that the current owner as well as past owners can be held responsible for the clean up. It is also a strict liability statute meaning that there is no defense of a property owner and a national list of hazardous waste sites exist on the EPA website.

Question 25

Properties built prior to 1978 require a lead based paint disclosure at the time of sale or rental of the property. All of the following are true regarding lead based paint and its disclosure, EXCEPT:

A. the buyer has 10 days within which to conduct any inspections for lead based paint.
B. the disclosure form must be completed by the seller and signed by both the seller and the buyer.
C. the disclosure is to be accompanied with a brochure on the dangers of lead based paint.
D. a lead based paint test is mandatory and sellers are required to remediate for any lead based paint dangers.

Answer 25

T6-15 D

On all properties constructed prior to 1978 a lead based paint disclosure is mandatory and is accompanied by a brochure. The seller is not required to test, remove or remediate for any lead based paint issues.

Question 26

When a hazardous waste site or landfill has been topped off with 3-4 feet of soil this is a process called:

A. reclamation
B. wildcat dumping
C. capping
D. CERCLA contamination

Answer 26

T6-16 C

Capping is the process of covering a landfill or hazardous waste site with 3-4 feet of soil.

Question 27

Radon is found across the country. According to the EPA, which of the following is correct?

A. Radon is created by manufactured insulation materials used prior to 1978.
B. Ventilation of the home cannot solve a problem with radon.
C. Radon is produced by uranium deposits found underground.
D. Radon can be detected by the rotten egg odor of the gas that is produced.

Answer 27

T6-17 C

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the presence of underground uranium. It is colorless and odorless and can rise to dangerous levels if the home is not well ventilated.

Question 28

Environmental issues in North Carolina are regulated and administered by:

A. The North Carolina Development Council (NCDC)
B. The North Carolina Continuing Management Agency (CAMA)
C. The North Carolina Department of Environmental & Natural Resources (NCDENR)
D. The North Carolina Environmental Protection Agency (NCEPA)

Answer 28

T6-18 C