Unit 20: Environmental Issues and the Real Estate Transaction

Question 1

A fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a wide variety of building supplies prior to 1978; environmental health hazard, when friable, that can cause respiratory diseases and cancer.

Answer 1

asbestos

Question 2

A colorless, odorless gas produced as a byproduct of inefficient burning of fuel such as gas, oil or wood; poor ventilation can lead to deadly concentration of gas.

Answer 2

carbon monoxide (CO)

Question 3

created in 1980; superfund to clean up uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and to respond to spills; process for identifying potentially responsible parties (PRPs) and ordered them to take responsibility for the cleanup action; administered and enforced by EPA

Answer 3

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Question 4

Naturally occurring energy fields near power lines and electrical appliances thought to be linked with adverse health effect but research is inconclusive.

Answer 4

electromagnetic fields (EMFs)

Question 5

Sealing off environmental hazards instead of removal.

Answer 5

encapsulation

Question 6

A dry, crumbly condition often used to describe old asbestos.

Answer 6

friable

Question 7

Water under the surface of the earth.

Answer 7

groundwater

Question 8

An enormous burial hole for various types of waste disposal.

Answer 8

landfill

Question 9

A federal law that requires sellers/landlords to disclose the known presence of lead-based paint in residential property to potential buyers/tenants via a required disclosure addendum to sales contracts or leases; delivery of a mandatory EPA pamphlet about lead poisoning is also required. Buyer/tenant is allowed a 10-day assessment period.

Answer 9

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

Question 10

an elevated level of lead in the human body that leads to serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.

Answer 10

lead poisoning

Question 11

Systems to limit the source of environmental hazards and reduce their effect on humans and the surrounding environment.

Answer 11

mitigation

Question 12

is designed to protect, preserve, and give management guidelines in coastal areas of the state.

Answer 12

North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA)

Question 13

a property owner must obtain a permit from the Coastal Resources Commission before participating in any dredging or filling that may affect vegetation or aquatic conditions in North Carolina waters and marshlands

Answer 13

North Carolina Dredge and Fill Act

Question 14

is to regulate underground storage tanks’ discharge of any hazardous substance including gas and oil

Answer 14

North Carolina Leaking Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Act

Question 15

inspectors and firms/individuals who perform renovation, repair, and painting projects for compensation in homes and daycare facilities built before 1978 must be certified

Answer 15

North Carolina Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program

Question 16

was enacted to handle problems that occur as a result of sedimentation in state waters.

Answer 16

North Carolina Sediment Pollution Control Act

Question 17

A colorless, odorless radioactive gas that naturally occurs in all areas of the state from the decay of radioactive minerals in the ground; EPA suggests that a reading of 4.0 picocuries or higher is cause for a mitigation system. Considered to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer.

Answer 17

radon

Question 18

According to the EPA, housing built before 1978 (with some exceptions).

Answer 18

target housing

Question 19

A tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10% of its combined volume underground; federal UST regulations apply to only those storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances.

Answer 19

underground storage tank (UST)

Question 20

A 1970s foam insulation that released gases that can cause respiratory problems such as skin irritations or asthma attacks.

Answer 20

Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI)

Question 21

Natural water level whether it is above or below ground level.

Answer 21

water table