CD2: Environmental Issues in Your Real Estate Practice
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General Issues

• List at least two environmental hazards of which a real estate licensee should be aware for each consumer: residential, commercial, developers
• Explain why environmental concerns often surface during real estate transactions
• Discuss why clients expect assistance from their real estate agent
• Explain the value of seller property disclosure forms and what they do not cover
• List four rules to follow that can keep an agent out of trouble
• Compile a list of sources for gaining additional information

Lead-Based Paint

• Explain what lead is and identify the major health hazards of lead
• Discuss how children ingest lead and why children are more vulnerable than adults
• List three ways to test for the presence of lead in the home
• Explain at least three ways to clean up lead-based paint
• List five basic requirements for sellers/landlords
• Name at least three penalties for noncompliance
• Summarize areas of concern that contingencies should cover in the sales contract

Radon

• Define radon and describe the major health effects of exposure to radon
• Explain how radon enters buildings and why levels vary from house to house
• Define and explain the EPA's "action" level
• Describe the basic method of remediation and its cost range

Asbestos

• Identify what asbestos is and the health hazards it presents to humans
• Discuss probable sources of asbestos exposure
• Describe the differences between friable and nonfriable asbestos
• Explain the reasons why preventing exposure to asbestos is so important
• List three solutions to an asbestos problem and identify the one most recommended
• Describe federal EPA regulations regarding asbestos-containing materials
• Recite important points to remember regarding ACMs and real estate transactions

Volatile Organic Compounds

• Describe formaldehyde and explain its hazard to health
• Identify probable sources of formaldehyde fumes and how a homeowner can avoid them
• Discuss urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and explain when it may be a problem to some people
• Identify what information you need to look for on your states disclosure form regarding formaldehyde
• Discuss the likelihood of formaldehyde emissions in both newer homes and older homes
• Discuss pesticides, who uses them, and their health hazards
• Summarize at least four concerns to think about before hiring a pest control company
• Discuss reasons for "sick building syndrome"
• Discuss federal guidelines regulating the registration and use of pesticides
• Identify important points clients or customers should consider when evaluating pest control services

Other Indoor Pollutants

• Define biological pollutants and list the two conditions for biological growth
• List three ways to prevent or eliminate biological pollutants
• Summarize what buyers and tenants should look for before moving in
• Identify possible sources and symptoms of biological pollutants that buyers or tenants should inspect prior to purchase or leasing
• Define combustion pollutants and explain how they are harmful to health
• List five ways to reduce combustion pollutants
• Describe the agent's role in helping buyers and tenants confront the issue of combustion pollutants

Water Supply

• Summarize the importance of clean water
• List at least five water contaminants and the health hazard of each
• Name the two most common methods of removing contaminants from water
• Emphasize that private wells are most at risk for contamination
• Discuss the importance of well water testing before any real estate transfer

Wetlands and Endangered Species

• Describe the importance of wetlands

• Summarize the problems of property owners when their land is designated wetland and explain "taking"
• Identify the agency that can help farmers determine wetlands in order to retain available farm program benefits
• Explain the role of the Army Corps of Engineers regarding wetlands
• Explain the role of the EPA regarding wetlands
• Discuss the expanded application of the Endangered Species Act and its impact on private ownership
• Describe how an agent can best advise a client or customer regarding wetlands and endangered species issues

Underground Storage Tanks

• Describe the federal government's definition of an underground storage tank (UST)
• List three ways to test for leaking underground storage tanks
• Explain why the EPA has decided to let states monitor USTs
• Name the date by which all tanks must have spill, overflow, and corrosion protection
• List at least three types of tanks that are exempt from compliance
• Discuss why certain urban industrial areas (i.e., brownfields) became unmarketable and relate recent attempts to reverse the decline
• Identify information about USTs that is important for the agent to consider in the real estate transaction

Environmental Reports and Consultants

• Explain the difference between an Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Site Assessment
• List several issues considered in an Impact Statement and its value to city planners
• List at least three methods that site assessment professionals might use to discover possible contamination from previous use
• Summarize the value of the site assessment to the seller, the buyer, and the lender
• List three points to consider when hiring an environmental consultant
• Describe how an agent can best advise a client or customer regarding discovery and disclosure of environmental concerns, and hiring of contractors

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