Real Estate Sales Exam Land Use, Zoning, and Environmental Issues 3

Question 1

Which federal law, known as 'Superfund,' holds current and past property owners potentially liable for the cleanup costs of hazardous waste contamination?

Accepted Answer

CERCLA

Answer

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) created a fund for cleaning up hazardous waste sites and imposed strict liability on property owners.

Question 2

Which naturally occurring colorless, odorless radioactive gas found in soil can accumulate in basements and poses a serious health risk?

Accepted Answer

Radon

Answer

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms from uranium decay in soil and can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings.

Question 3

Federal law requires sellers to disclose known lead-based paint hazards in residential homes built before which year?

Accepted Answer

1978

Answer

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978, when residential use of lead paint was banned.

Question 4

A fire-resistant fibrous mineral widely used in older building insulation and floor tiles that is now known to cause mesothelioma and lung cancer is:

Accepted Answer

Asbestos

Answer

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral used extensively in construction before the 1970s that causes serious lung diseases including mesothelioma when its fibers are inhaled.

Question 5

Before purchasing a commercial property with potential contamination, a buyer typically commissions which study to identify environmental liability through records review and site inspection without sampling?

Accepted Answer

Phase I environmental site assessment

Answer

A Phase I environmental site assessment reviews historical records and conducts a visual site inspection to identify recognized environmental conditions without invasive sampling.

Real Estate Sales Exam Practice Test

Real Estate Sales Exam Practice Test

Real Estate Sales Exam Land Use, Zoning, and Environmental Issues 3