Unit 3.3 - Environmental (LTP Flashcards)
What is asbestos and when is it dangerous?
Used in insulation, siding, flooring and shingles for fire/heat resistant qualities. Dangerous when it becomes friable (crumbly, dusty) – causes lung cancer (mesothelioma)
What is lead based paint? What are disclosure requirements?
Paint that can cause lead poisoning.
Used in construction prior to 1978.
Lead Based Pain Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 requires that a seller disclose if they know of lead, reports about lead or if they don’t.
Buyer must be given a pamphlet “protecting your family from lead” and given at least 10-days to inspect if lead is present.
Buyer pays for inspection. Seller not obligated to remediate.
Best to limit exposure by encapsulating or remediating from property.
What are PCBs?
Polychlorinated Biphenyls – contained in coolant fluids or electrical equipment.
Can contaminate air, water, soil and can cause cancer.
What is radon? How is it detected? How much is acceptable?
Naturally occurring gas from breakdown of radium in soil. Odorless and colorless. Only way to determine if present is to test.
It is a MATERIAL FACT and remediation is recommended when measured at 4.0 pico per liter of air or higher.
Causes lung cancer.
What action should a broker take when a client asks about environmental issues?
Recommend a qualified environmental engineer performs testing.
Does a broker have to disclose contamination of nearby properties?
Yes. This is a MATERIAL FACT and allows the buyer to perform testing to assess risk of the subject property.
What is CERCLA / Superfund?
Government program that cleans up contaminated sites (pollutants and hazardous substances).
It establishes liability for the contamination, starting with the current owner of the property.
Lenders require a Phase 1 environment inspection of the property to ensure determine potential risks.
What are the dangers of underground storage tanks?
Leakage and contamination of soil and ground water.
Agent should always look for evidence of leak (oil, smell, dead grass, etc.)
What is mold?
Mold is toxic and is caused by excessive moisture. It can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
Testing must be performed to determine if remediation is required.
What is carbon monoxide?
Gas produced from burning fuels (wood, oil, natural gas). Can result in death.
Causes nausea, dizziness and can cause person to pass out and die.
Homes (especially with attached garages or fireplaces) should have carbon monoxide detectors on each level.
