Unit 22
16 cards · 0 marked known
Asbestos
A fibrous mineral once widely used in building materials for insulation and fire resistance. When disturbed, fibers can cause serious lung diseases including asbestosis and cancer.
An older home has popcorn ceilings and pipe insulation that test positive for asbestos. Disturbing these materials during renovation requires licensed abatement.
Brownfield
Abandoned or underused industrial or commercial sites that may be contaminated with hazardous substances. Often targeted for redevelopment with government incentives.
An old factory site is designated a brownfield. A developer can receive grants and liability protection to clean it up and build new housing.
Capping
A method of containing hazardous waste or contaminated soil by covering it with an impermeable layer (clay, plastic, concrete) to prevent exposure or migration.
The landfill is closed and capped with clay and soil to prevent rainwater from leaching contaminants into groundwater.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
A colorless, odorless, toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels. Can cause illness or death in poorly ventilated spaces.
A faulty furnace in a home produces dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The agent recommends CO detectors in every home listing.
CERCLA
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund. Federal law that holds current and past owners/operators liable for cleanup of hazardous waste sites, even if they did not cause the contamination.
Under CERCLA, a buyer who purchases contaminated property can be held liable for cleanup costs even if the contamination occurred decades earlier.
Encapsulation
A method of sealing asbestos-containing materials with a protective coating or wrap to prevent fiber release, rather than removing the material.
Instead of removing old asbestos pipe insulation, the contractor encapsulates it with a special sealant to contain the fibers.
Formaldehyde
A chemical used in building materials (particleboard, plywood, insulation) and household products. Can cause respiratory irritation and is a known carcinogen.
New cabinetry and flooring in a recently renovated home off-gas formaldehyde. Proper ventilation helps reduce indoor air levels.
Groundwater
Water located beneath the earth's surface in soil pores and rock fractures. A major source of drinking water that can be contaminated by pollutants.
A leaking underground storage tank contaminates the groundwater, affecting nearby private wells.
Innocent Landowner Immunity
A defense under CERCLA that protects a buyer from liability if they conducted appropriate environmental due diligence (Phase I ESA) before purchase and had no knowledge of contamination.
A buyer who orders a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment before closing may qualify for innocent landowner immunity under CERCLA.
Landfill
A designated site for disposal of solid waste. Modern landfills are engineered with liners, leachate collection, and gas monitoring systems.
The county landfill is lined and monitored to prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater.
Lead
A toxic heavy metal once commonly used in paint and plumbing. Exposure, especially in children, can cause serious developmental and health problems.
Homes built before 1978 are presumed to contain lead-based paint. Federal law requires disclosure and lead-safe renovation practices.
Mold
Fungi that grow in damp environments. Certain types can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and structural damage.
Water damage from a roof leak leads to black mold growth in the attic. The buyer requires professional remediation before closing.
Radon
A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. The second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
A home inspection reveals elevated radon levels. The seller installs a mitigation system before closing.
SARA
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (1986) — amendments to CERCLA that strengthened cleanup standards, increased funding, and created the innocent landowner defense.
SARA strengthened CERCLA by adding the innocent landowner defense and increasing the Superfund trust fund.
Underground Storage Tank (UST)
A tank and piping system located underground, commonly used to store petroleum or hazardous substances. Leaks can contaminate soil and groundwater.
An old gas station's underground storage tanks are leaking. The owner must remove or upgrade the tanks and clean up the contamination.
Water Table
The upper surface of groundwater. The depth can affect construction, septic systems, and contamination risk.
A high water table on a property requires special foundation design and can limit the use of a conventional septic system.