Environmental Regulations: Asbestos and Lead

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Questions and Answers

Which federal law is primarily concerned with controlling air pollution on a national level?

  • Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
  • Clean Air Act (CAA) (correct)
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
  • Clean Water Act (CWA)

What is the primary environmental concern associated with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

  • Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer (correct)
  • Acid rain production
  • Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • Groundwater contamination

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 aims to:

  • Regulate waste disposal in landfills
  • Control air pollution from stationary sources
  • Protect and ensure the quality of the nation's drinking water (correct)
  • Manage the cleanup of hazardous waste sites

Which of the following best describes a septic system?

<p>A small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas without main sewage pipes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environmental risk associated with underground storage tanks (USTs)?

<p>Contamination of soil and groundwater due to leaks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was asbestos commonly used in older homes?

<p>For fireproofing and insulation qualities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What health risk is most directly associated with exposure to asbestos fibers?

<p>Asbestosis and Mesothelioma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should asbestos be removed from a property?

<p>If it is friable, meaning it is crumbly and can release fibers into the air (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was lead commonly used in paint prior to its known health risks?

<p>To make the paint more durable and resistant to wear (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary health concern associated with lead exposure, particularly in children?

<p>Serious neurological problems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Title X, what is the responsibility of brokers and salespersons regarding lead-based paint?

<p>To provide a lead-based paint hazard disclosure form for buildings constructed prior to 1978 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is sanding lead paint considered a hazardous activity?

<p>It creates harmful lead dust that can easily spread through the air (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of radon in homes?

<p>Soils, rocks, and water as a result of natural radioactive decay (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary health risk associated with radon exposure?

<p>Lung cancer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are private wells more likely to be contaminated with radon compared to municipal water supplies?

<p>Municipal water supplies are treated to remove radon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which type of geographic area is radon contamination most commonly found?

<p>Mountainous or swampy areas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is most typical of wetlands?

<p>Saturated by surface or groundwater with vegetation adapted for these conditions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of conducting environmental due diligence before purchasing a property?

<p>To evaluate any potential legal liabilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During Phase I of an environmental assessment, what type of information is typically examined?

<p>Historical surveys, maps, titles, and geological surveys (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is typically performed during Phase II of an environmental assessment?

<p>Physical testing of soil and water quality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is Phase III (remediation) of an environmental assessment typically necessary?

<p>Only when Phase II tests reveal contamination (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were PCBs primarily used for?

<p>As coolants in power plants and electrical equipment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under New York State regulations, how are underground storage tanks regulated based on their storage capacity?

<p>Tanks with more than 1,100 gallons of storage capacity are strictly regulated (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an electromagnetic field (EMF)?

<p>A field created when electricity flows through a wire (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What policy has New York State adopted regarding electromagnetic fields (EMFs)?

<p>A policy of 'prudent avoidance' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which international agreement led to the prohibition of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in building systems?

<p>The Montreal Protocol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical composition of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

<p>Chlorine, fluorine, and carbon (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of CFCs in refrigeration systems before their prohibition?

<p>To absorb and transfer heat (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A real estate investor is evaluating a property built in 1960 for purchase. Which of the following environmental concerns should be a PRIMARY focus during their due diligence?

<p>Potential asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A homeowner discovers a previously unknown underground storage tank (UST) on their property. What immediate action should they take?

<p>Contact the local environmental agency to report the tank (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A property owner is planning to renovate a building constructed in 1950. During the renovation, they uncover asbestos-containing materials in good condition (not friable). What is the recommended course of action?

<p>Report the discovery to the local environmental agency and seek professional advice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A real estate agent is selling a home built in 1970. What is their legal responsibility regarding potential lead-based paint hazards?

<p>They must provide the buyer with a lead-based paint disclosure form (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A homeowner is concerned about potential radon contamination in their well water. What is the MOST appropriate action to take?

<p>Contact a local environmental agency to test the well water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A property is located adjacent to a known wetland area. What potential restrictions or considerations might apply to development or construction on that property?

<p>Development may be restricted or require permits to protect the wetland ecosystem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of environmental assessment would a Phase II Environmental Professional MOST likely be involved?

<p>Phase II ESA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A property owner is considering installing a new septic system on their land. What is the MOST important factor they should consider BEFORE beginning the installation?

<p>Local zoning regulations and environmental permits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Clean Air Act regulates:

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential source of PCBs?

<p>Transformer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential problem related to underground storage tanks?

<p>Increased risk of sinkholes forming. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Prudent Avoidance?

<p>A policy of reducing exposure to electromagnetic fields. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do real estate investors perform Due Diligence?

<p>To check for any potential environmental liabilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Federal law designed to control air pollution on a national level.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

A fluid that absorbs heat, but when emitted, it causes depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Federal law enacted in 1974 to ensure safe drinking water for the public.

Septic System

Small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas without main sewage pipes.

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Underground Storage Tanks

A tank with at least 10% of its volume underground.

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Asbestos

A naturally occurring mineral fiber found in older homes that is hazardous to health when inhaled.

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Asbestosis

A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

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Lead

A material used historically in pipes and paint, now known to cause serious neurological problems.

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Radon

A colorless, odorless gas emitted from soils, rocks, and water that is known to cause cancer.

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Wetlands

Area inundated/saturated by surface/groundwater with vegetation adapted for saturated soil conditions.

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Due Diligence

Review and investigation of a property to evaluate any legal liability; doing your homework.

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Environmental Assessments Phase I: investigation

Investigation to see if there's any potential environmental hazard on the site.

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Environmental Assessments Phase II: testing

Engineer tests the water and soil quality of the site.

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Environmental Assessments Phase III: remediation

Cleaning up the environmental hazard.

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PCBs

Liquids formerly used to cool power plants.

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Underground Storage Tanks

A tank & its piping that has at least 10% of its combined volume underground.

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Electro-magnetic Field

Created when electricity flows through a wire.

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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

A fluid, containing hydrocarbons, that absorbs heat and causes depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.

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Study Notes

  • Clean Air Act (CAA) is a federal law controlling air pollution at a national level.
  • Chloro-flouro Carbons (CFCs) are fluids used as coolants; when emitted, they deplete the stratospheric ozone layer.
  • Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), enacted in 1974, ensures safe drinking water for the public.
  • Septic systems are small-scale sewage treatment systems used where main sewage pipes are unavailable.
  • Underground Storage Tanks include tanks and piping with at least 10% of their volume underground.

Asbestos

  • Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in older homes.
  • Inhaling asbestos fibers is hazardous.
  • Asbestos was used for fireproofing in roofing, shingles, flooring, and insulation.
  • Asbestos can lead to Asbestosis and Mesothelioma.
  • Asbestos removal is necessary if it is friable (crumbly).
  • Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease from inhaling asbestos fibers.

Lead

  • Lead was used in older homes' pipes and paint, but is now known to be hazardous.
  • Lead exposure causes serious neurological problems.
  • Lead was used in paint for durability, but lead paint tends to chip.
  • Landlords may face criminal charges for un-remediated lead paint violations.
  • Title X of the Federal Code outlines public responsibilities regarding lead paint.
  • Brokers and salespersons must provide a lead-based paint hazard disclosure form for pre-1978 buildings.
  • Lead paint disclosure forms should be kept indefinitely.
  • Lead absorption occurs in still water, not running water, and it can contaminate soil.
  • Sanding lead paint creates harmful lead dust.

Radon

  • Radon is a colorless, odorless gas from soil, rocks, and water due to radioactive decay.
  • Radon is a known cause of cancer.
  • Homes should be tested for radon with local environmental agencies consulted for handling and removal.
  • It appears naturally underground and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
  • Private wells are more likely to be contaminated with radon.
  • Wells should be checked for radon at least twice a year.
  • Radon is common in mountainous or swampy areas following geological patterns.

Wetlands

  • Wetlands are areas saturated by surface or groundwater, supporting vegetation adapted for saturated soil.
  • Wetlands include swamps, marshes, and bogs, but exclude irrigation ditches (unless part of an adjacent wetland).

Due Diligence and Environmental Assessments

  • Due diligence is the review and investigation of a property to evaluate legal liability.
  • Environmental research is important when planning to buy a property.
  • Phase I assessment involves reviewing data like surveys, maps, titles, and geological surveys.
  • Phase II assessment involves testing water and soil quality if Phase I indicates potential hazards.
  • Phase III assessment involves remediation, only necessary if tests reveal contamination.

PCBs, Underground Storage Tanks, and EMFs

  • PCBs (Poly chlorinated biphenyls) are liquids formerly used to cool power plants.
  • Underground Storage Tanks store petroleum or chemicals and pose a leakage risk.
  • Tanks with over 1,100 gallons capacity are strictly regulated by NYS environmental conservation.
  • Electro-magnetic Fields (EMF) are created when electricity flows through a wire.
  • NYS has adopted a policy of ‘prudent avoidance’ with regards to electro-magnetic fields.

CFCs

  • Chloro-flouro Carbons (CFCs) are fluids used as coolants that deplete the ozone layer.
  • CFC is chlorine + fluorine + carbon.
  • The Montreal Protocol forbids the use of Chloro-flouro Carbons in building systems.

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