Unit 21 Quiz Questions Flashcards
(38 cards)
Individuals exposed to formaldehyde may suffer from
a. paralysis.
b. eye irritations.
c. mold infections.
d. blood disorders.
Eye irritations.
Although formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause it in humans, it is primarily responsible for triggering respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and asthma, as well as eye and skin irritations
Lead is commonly found in
a. soldered water pipes.
b. latex paint.
c. soil around national parks.
d. insulating material.
soldered water pipes
Asbestos, not lead, was formerly used for insulating material.
A seller accepts an offer on a home that was built in 1892. Which of these statements about lead-based paint is TRUE?
a. The seller has no lead-based paint discovery requirement..
b. If the seller is aware of any lead-based paint on the premises, the seller need not disclose that fact to the buyer.
c. If the buyer requests a lead-based paint inspection, the seller has ten days in which to obtain one at the buyer’s expense.
d. The seller is entitled to receive a pamphlet that describes the hazards posed by lead-based paint.
If the buyer requests a lead-based paint inspection, the seller has ten days in which to obtain one at the buyer’s expense.
No one is required to test for lead, but federal law gives the prospective buyer 10 days (or any time agreed to, or the buyer may waive the right) to have the home tested for lead at the buyer’s expense.
Where in the United States does radon occur?
a. Mostly in the western states
b. Mostly in the warm southern and southwestern regions
c. In every state in the United States
d. Only in large urban areas
In every state in the United States
Radon has been found in every state, although it’s more likely to be found in some states than in others. The only way to know for sure if it is present is to have the building tested.
Which of these has been proven to pose a health hazard?
a. Asbestos
b. Lead-based paint
c. Radon
d. All of these
All of these.
Asbestos, lead-based paint, and radon have all been proven to cause adverse health effects in humans.
H stores toxic chemical waste in a large steel tank that has only 15% of its volume underground. J lives in the wilderness and owns a gas pump connected to a 1,500-gallon tank of gasoline buried ten feet underground near the garage. L keeps three large tanks filled with formaldehyde and battery acid in the basement. Which of these people are covered by federal regulations regarding USTs?
a. H and L
b. H and J only
c. L only
d. J only
H and J only.
Because H’s tank is more than 10% underground, this storage of toxic chemical waste is covered by the law. J’s tank is completely underground, so it is covered. Because L’s tanks are in a basement, rather than underground, they are not covered.
Which of these is responsible for administering the Superfund?
a. EPA
b. PRP
c. CERCLA
d. HUD
EPA
The Superfund is administered by the EPA. CERCLA is the law that established the Superfund.
Which of these would disqualify someone from claiming innocent landowner immunity under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)?
a. The pollution was caused by a third party.
b. A landowner exercised due care when the property was purchased.
c. A landowner had constructive knowledge of the hazard.
d. A landowner used due diligence in the exercise of ownership rights.
A landowner had constructive knowledge of the hazard.
Landowners cannot claim innocent landowner immunity if they had actual or constructive knowledge of the damage.
If a potentially responsible party (PRP) refuses to pay the expenses of cleaning up a toxic site, the EPA may
a. bring a criminal action and have the PRP jailed for up to ten years.
b. bring a civil action and be awarded three times the actual cost of the cleanup.
c. bring an administrative action and be awarded the actual cost of the cleanup, plus court costs.
d. have no legal recourse.
Bring a civil action and be awarded three times the actual cost of the cleanup.
A PRP is a potentially responsible party. If the PRP does not clean up the site, the EPA bills the PRP for the cost. Then, if the PRP still refuses to pay, the EPA can seek damages in court for up to three times the actual cost of cleanup
Sealing off asbestos instead of removing it is called
a. encapsulation.
b. capping.
c. irresponsible remediation.
d. extended liability.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation is the sealing off of disintegrating asbestos. Capping is covering over the top of a landfill with dirt and landscaping.
Lead-based paint is found in about 75% of all private housing built before
a. 1978.
b. 1985.
c. 1992.
d. 1996.
1978
The federal government estimates that lead is present in about 75% of all private housing built before 1978, the year the Federal government banned the use of lead in interior paints, stains, and varnishes.
Which of these is the byproduct of fuel combustion that may result in death if such equipment is not properly vented?
a. Radon
b. Lead
c. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation
d. Carbon monoxide
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. High concentrations of CO can lead to death
At least how much of a tank must be underground for it to be considered an underground storage tank?
a. 10%
b. 15%
c. 25%
d. 35%
10%
The official definition of an underground storage tank is one that is at least 10% underground.
How can property owners help avoid carbon monoxide exposure?
a. Have a fuel-burning heating system checked and maintained annually
b. Have the basement tested for carbon monoxide seeping in from the soil
c. Encapsulate sources of carbon monoxide emissions
d. Install attic vents
Have a fuel-burning heating system checked and maintained annually.
Heating systems are prime sources of carbon monoxide if they are poorly vented or poorly maintained.
Which of these is a source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?
a. Plywood and particle board
b. Small home appliances, such as hair dryers or food processors
c. Caulking compounds
d. Computers
Caulking compounds
Sources of PCBs include caulking compounds, electrical transformers, and hydraulic oil in older equipment.
Why is mold a serious environmental problem in buildings?
a. It causes stains and a fuzzy growth on walls.
b. It destroys material it grows on and causes health problems for occupants.
c. It has an unpleasant odor.
d. It produces spores that can spoil food.
It destroys material it grows on and causes health problems for occupants.
Mold can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
What is the purpose of the Brownfields Law enacted in 2002?
a. It restores wilderness and agricultural areas damaged by toxic waste.
b. It is specifically dedicated to cleaning up PCB spills and dumps.
c. It establishes incinerators to destroy UFFI, DDT, and other persistent chemicals.
d. It distributes funds to clean up polluted industrial sites so the dangers they present can be removed and the land can be restored to productive use.
It distributes funds to clean up polluted industrial sites so the dangers they present can be removed and the land an be restored to productive use.
Brownfields are defined as defunct, derelict, or abandoned commercial or industrial sites. Many have toxic wastes.
What causes mold problems in buildings?
a. Insects
b. Chronic moisture problems
c. Fiberglass building materials
d. Air pollution
Chronic moisture problems.
Moisture, oxygen, and a cellulosic food source feed mold growth. Mold can gradually destroy virtually anything on which it is growing.
Regarding the federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, which statement is TRUE?
A. All residential housing built before 1978 must be tested for the presence of lead-based paint before being listed for sale or rent.
B. A disclosure statement must be attached to all sales contracts and leases involving residential properties built before 1978.
C. A lead-hazard pamphlet must be distributed to all prospective buyers but not to tenants.
D. Purchasers of housing built before 1978 must be given five days to test the property for the presence of lead-based paint.
a disclosure statement must be attached to all sales contracts and leases involving residential properties built before 1978.
The answer is a disclosure statement must be attached to all sales contracts and leases involving residential properties built before 1978. Althoughno remediation of the property is required, a lead-based paint warning disclosure statement must be completed and signed by the parties and a copy attached to any sales contract or lease for a residential property built before 1978. In the disclosure statement, buyers and renters acknowledge receiving a HUD booklet about protecting one’s family from lead-based paint hazards.
The term encapsulation refers to
A. the process of sealing a landfill with three to four feet of topsoil.
B. the way in which insulation is applied to pipes and wiring systems.
C. the method of sealing disintegrating asbestos.
D. the way in which lead-based paint particles become airborne.
the method of sealing disintegrating asbestos
The answer is the method of sealing disintegrating asbestos. Wrapping or enclosing with an airtight covering is encapsulating. This is the safest way of dealing with much of the friable (flaking) asbestos that already exists in housing and office buildings.
A real estate professional showed a pre-World War I house to a prospective buyer. The buyer has two toddlers and is worried about potential health hazards. Which of the following is TRUE?
A. There is a risk that urea-formaldehyde foam insulation was used in the original construction.
B. The real estate professional can offer to personally inspect for lead and remove any lead risks.
C. Because of the age of the house, there is a good likelihood of the presence of lead-based paint.
D. Removal of lead-based paint and asbestos hazards is covered by standard title insurance policies.
Because of the age of the house, there is a good likelihood of the presence of lead-based paint.
The answer is because of the age of the house, there is a good likelihood of the presence of lead-based paint. Pre–World War I means before 1914. Lead based paint and varnishes were commonly used in housing interiors until it was outlawed in 1978. There is great likelihood that lead-based products are present in such an old building, even if many layers of non-lead products have been applied over them
Which of the following is TRUE regarding asbestos?
A. Improper removal of asbestos can cause further contamination of a building.
B. Asbestos causes health problems only when it is eaten.
C. The level of asbestos in a building is affected by weather conditions.
D. HUD requires that all asbestos-containing materials be removed from all residential buildings.
improper removal of asbestos can cause further contamination of a building.
The answer is improper removal of asbestos can cause further contamination of a building. Removal must only be done by skilled, licensed contractors. Once disturbed, asbestos can remain suspended in air for long periods of time before settling and then being disturbed once again.
A factor that may contribute to the growth of mold is
A.high humidity.
B. adequate ventilation
C. intact roofing.
D.properly installed gutters
High Humidity
The answer is high humidity. Mold grows where there is moisture, such as in areas of high humidity, where a roof leaks, or where water is not routed away properly by the gutters.
Federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations require that
A. home fuel oil tanks in basements be registered with the EPA.
B. septic tanks be pumped every five years.
C. liquid petroleum tanks that store at least 10% of their volume underground be in compliance.
D. states not develop regulations more stringent than the federal requirements.
liquid petroleum tanks that store at least 10% of their volume underground be in compliance.
The answer is liquid petroleum tanks that store at least 10% of their volume underground be in compliance. Federal regulations impose strict requirements on landowners about USTs. States may impose even more stringent controls. Exceptions to federal regulations include septic tanks and home heating oil tanks.
