Unit 21

Question 1

Asbestos

Answer 1

Mineral composed of fibers that have fireproofing and insulating qualities, but is a health hazard when broken down (become friable) and are inhaled. Banned since 1978

Question 2

Encapsulation

Answer 2

Prevents fibers from becoming airborne

Question 3

Lead

Answer 3

Found in pipes, pipe solder, air, and soil. Accumulates in the body and can damage the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and blood.

Question 4

Lead-based paint

Answer 4

Found in many housing built before 1978

Question 5

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (LBPHRA)

Answer 5

Requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards to potential buyer or renters

Question 6

“Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”

Answer 6

Pamphlet created by EPA, HUD, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Question 7

“Renovate Right”

Answer 7

Given to the property owner before work begins

Question 8

Radon

Answer 8

Odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of radioactive substances in the ground and is found throughout the United States. May cause lung cancer. Testing is not a federal requirement

Question 9

Formaldehyde

Answer 9

Hazardous air pollutant in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, used for buildings and household product, such as urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), and may cause respiratory problems, eye and skin irritations, and possible cancer. Since 1985, regulated by HUD for use in wood products

Question 10

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Answer 10

Colorless, odorless gas that is by-product of fuel burning. Inhaling may cause poisoning, can result in death unless the gas us properly vented. Detectors may be required

Question 11

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Answer 11

Suspecting of causing health problems, may be found electrical equipment. Manufacturing and commercial distribution is banned since 1979

Question 12

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Answer 12

Used in refrigerators, aerosol sprays, paints, solvents, and foam applications, are no longer manufactured worldwide since 1996

Question 13

Groundwater

Answer 13

Found under earth’s surface and forms the water table

Question 14

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) 1974

Answer 14

Regulates the public drinking water supply. Water should be tested

Question 15

Clean Water Act

Answer 15

EPA protects and improves the quality of wetlands

Question 16

Underground storage tanks (USTs)

Answer 16

Contain petroleum products, industrial chemicals, and other substances are subject to federal law (regulated by EPA) and state law. Should inspect

Question 17

Waste disposal sites

Answer 17

A landfill disposal site, whether excavated or created in previously mined property, is lined to prevent seepage, capped with soil for aesthetic reasons, and vented to release gases created by decomposing water

Question 18

Brownfields legislation

Answer 18

Encourages development of abandoned properties by shielding innocent developers from liability for toxic wastes that existed at a site prior to purchase

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Administered and enforced by EPA. Established as a Superfund to clean up uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and identifies Potential Responsible Parties (PRPs). Defines Innocent Landowner Immunity

Question 20

Strict Liability

Answer 20

Landowner has no defense to the responsibility for cleanup

Question 21

Joint and Several liability

Answer 21

Each of several landowners is responsible for the entire cleanup

Question 22

Retroactive liability

Answer 22

Occurs when the present owner and previous owners are considered responsible for cleanup

Question 23

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Answer 23

recommended by real estate professionals

Question 24

Phase 1 ESA

Answer 24

Physical examination of the property and investigating of its history

Question 25

Phase 2 ESA

Answer 25

Sampling of soil and other minerals, and is performed if it appears a problem may exist