Chapter 12 - The Environment

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Allows property owners to purchase flood insurance from the government that covers certain losses from flooding. You can purchase insurance from private providers, rates might be higher. Most mortgage providers will require the purchase of flood insurance if the risk is high.

Radon

An odorless, colorless gas that is emitted from the ground. The Environmental Protection Agency claims any radon exposure has risk of causing lung cancer. the average person receives a higher dose of radiation from the radon levels in their home than from their combined exposure to all other radiation sources, natural or man-made.

Lead Paint and Lead-based paint

Housing built before 1978 most likely has this paint in the property. Federal law requires that buyers or renters must receive the following from the seller or agent: EPA approved pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards titled "protect your family from lead in your home" and "lead warning statement"

Ground Water Hazard Statement

Iowa has the requirement to file this when real estate is transferred. The purpose of this report is to identify and locate any wells or septic tanks and disposal sites on property.

Septic Tanks

Properties wit septic tanks must have a current tank inspection certificate before a title transfer can occur. The law only applies to properties containing one to four dwelling units and there are exemptions to the laws as follows. See notes

Radon Mitigation

Radon mitigation systems typically cost between $1,200 and $2,000. The systems typically are a ventilation system located in the area where radon seems to be the heaviest. The system may contain a fan for the purpose of pushing air out of the property from the area determined that may be the source of the radon. Sellers should be advised of the probability of a radon test and the possibility of the expense of mitigation as a stipulation of closing. There have been times after a test when radon mitigation is recommended and the buyers and sellers share in the cost of the system.

Formaldehyde

The most common health effects are symptoms of eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Eyes are especially sensitive to formaldehyde. Some people describe the eye irritation similar to the feeling like when you get soap in your eye or the feeling of cutting an onion. Many home building products contain formaldehyde such as particleboard, plywood, pressed-wood, paneling, and foam insulation. Formaldehyde in small concentrations is a normal part of our environment. Outdoor air levels are usually between 0.002 to 0.006 parts per million in suburban areas. The most common guidelines for acceptable formaldehyde levels are 0.10 ppm. Few people seem to have health problems at levels below 0.10 ppm. New building products sometimes emit formaldehyde levels above 0.10 ppm, but as they age they will usually off-gas and the levels drop.

Asbestos

a natural silicate material of thin fibrous minerals with each visible fiber of millions of microscopic fibrils that can be released by abrasion or other processes. They are commonly known by their colors as "blue asbestos", "white asbestos", "brown asbestos", and "green asbestos". It is when asbestos is released into the air that it becomes a problem. It is now known that prolonged exposure to and the breathing of asbestos fibers can cause humans serious illness. Asbestos is believed to be the main factor of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Smoking has a supra-additive effect in increasing the risk of lung cancer in those who have high exposure to asbestos.

Mold

fungi that reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air. Spores that land on moist objects may begin to grow. There are thousands of different types of molds and we encounter many of them every day. Toxic mold is a type of mold that produces hazardous by-products called mycotoxins. While individuals with asthma and other respiratory problems may have reactions to many types of molds, mycotoxins are even likely to trigger health problems in healthy individuals. Toxic molds are even thought to be a cause of the development of asthma in small children.

Carbon Monoxide

is a deadly colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawnmowers, and power washers also produce carbon monoxide. Danger signs to look for in homes are very old furnaces, older fireplaces whether wood-burning or gas burning. The danger from these devices is the possibility of blocked flues. Other danger signs are the use of portable gas-powered generators being used inside a closed structure, and charcoal grills being used in an enclosed porch.

Underground Storage Tanks

must be identified on the groundwater hazard statement but only those used for commercial uses. Residential fuel tanks are exempt.

Brownfields

properties that may be contaminated with hazardous substances, pollutants, or waste. This makes the reuse or redevelopment of the land difficult due to the environmental concerns and clean up costs.

Capping

when a cover is placed over a contaminated area, such as a landfill or waste disposal site. The material used to cover the area can vary widely based on the size of the area and the kind of waste contamination involved. Materials can be asphalt, concrete, a vegetative layer, a drainage layer, a geomembrane, clay or a combination of several materials. Capping does not destroy the contaminants but isolates them and keeps them from spreading.