Unit 21 Key Terms

Question 1

A fire-resistant mineral that was once used extensively as insulation and to strengthen other materials. It creates airborne contaminants that may result in respiratory diseases.

Answer 1

Asbestos

Question 2

Defunct, derelict or abandoned commercial or industrial sites, many of which may contain toxic waste.

Answer 2

Brownfields

Question 3

Are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals used as refrigerants in air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers and aerosol sprays.

Answer 3

Chlorofluorocarbons CFSs

Question 4

Established Superfund, to clean up uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and to respond to spills.

Answer 4

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CERCLA

Question 5

The sealing off of disintegrating asbestos, is a method of asbestos control.

Answer 5

Encapsulation

Question 6

This statement details the impact the project will have on the environment.

Answer 6

environmental impact statement EIS

Question 7

Performed on property to show that due care was exercised in determining whether any environmental impairments exist.

Answer 7

environmental site assessment ESA

Question 8

A colorless chemical with a strong, pronounced odor, is used widely in the manufacturing of building materials and many household products because of its preservative characteristics.

Answer 8

formaldehyde

Question 9

Water that exists under the earths surface within the tiny spaces or crevices in geological formations.

Answer 9

groundwater

Question 10

The process used to extract natural gas from the deep layers of rock in which it is embedded.

Answer 10

hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

Question 11

Has been used as a pigment and drying agent in paint. Can result in damage to the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and blood.

Answer 11

lead

Question 12

EPA and HUD issued final regulations requiring disclosure of the presence of any known lead-based paint to potential buyers or renters.

Answer 12

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (LBPHRA)

Question 13

Can be found almost anywhere and can grow on almost any organic substance as long as moisture, oxygen and an organic food source is present.

Answer 13

mold

Question 14

Consist of more than 200 chemical compounds that are not found naturally in nature. Flame resistant, they are often used in electrical equipment.

Answer 14

polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs

Question 15

Naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas produced by the decay of other radioactive substances.

Answer 15

radon

Question 16

a

Answer 16

Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act

Question 17

Innocent Landowner immunity status.

1) The pollution was caused by a third party
2) The property was acquired after the fact
3) The landowner had no knowledge of damage
4) Due care was exercised when the property was purchased
5) Reasonable precautions were taken

Answer 17

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act SARA

Question 18

Commonly found on sites where petroleum products are used or where gas stations and auto repair shops are or were located.

Answer 18

underground storage tanks USTs

Question 19

When incorrectly mixed it never properly cures, resulting in strong emissions shortly after installation.

Answer 19

urea-formaldehyde foam insulation UFFI

Question 20

The natural level at which the ground is saturated.

Answer 20

water table

Question 21

Areas where water covers the soil all or part of the time. ie swamps, marshes, bogs, wet meadows, river overflows, mud flats and ponds.

Answer 21

wetlands

Question 22

Colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that occurs as a by-product of burning fuels such as wood, oil and natural gas owing to incomplete combustion.

Answer 22

Carbon monoxide CO