Environmental Hazards
Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which environmental hazard is most commonly
associated with homes built before 1978?
A. Asbestos
B. Mold
C. Lead-based paint
D. Radon
Answer: C. Lead-based paint
Rationale: Federal law presumes homes built before 1978
may contain lead-based paint, requiring specific disclosures.
2. Radon is best described as:
A. A type of mold
B. A radioactive gas
C. A pesticide
D. An asbestos fiber
,Answer: B. A radioactive gas
Rationale: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that
can accumulate inside buildings.
3. Asbestos becomes most hazardous when it:
A. Gets wet
B. Is painted
C. Is disturbed and fibers become airborne
D. Is covered with insulation
Answer: C. Is disturbed and fibers become airborne
Rationale: Airborne asbestos fibers can be inhaled and cause
serious lung diseases.
4. Which federal law requires disclosure of lead-based paint
hazards?
A. CERCLA
B. Clean Water Act
C. Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act
D. Fair Housing Act
Answer: C. Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction
Act
Rationale: This law requires disclosures for residential
properties built before 1978.
5. Black mold is commonly associated with:
,A. Dry conditions
B. Excess moisture
C. High elevation
D. Concrete foundations
Answer: B. Excess moisture
Rationale: Mold requires moisture to grow and spread.
6. The primary health concern from radon exposure is:
A. Skin cancer
B. Lung cancer
C. Liver disease
D. Kidney disease
Answer: B. Lung cancer
Rationale: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer
after smoking.
7. A real estate licensee should:
A. Diagnose environmental hazards
B. Recommend professional inspections when appropriate
C. Remove hazardous materials
D. Certify homes as hazard-free
Answer: B. Recommend professional inspections when
appropriate
Rationale: Licensees should disclose known facts but avoid
acting as environmental experts.
, 8. Which material was commonly used for insulation and
fireproofing?
A. Vinyl
B. Fiberglass
C. Asbestos
D. Gypsum
Answer: C. Asbestos
Rationale: Asbestos was widely used because of its fire-
resistant properties.
9. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation is associated
primarily with:
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Formaldehyde gas emissions
C. Radon
D. Lead contamination
Answer: B. Formaldehyde gas emissions
Rationale: UFFI may release formaldehyde gas, especially
when newly installed.
10. Carbon monoxide is:
A. Visible and odorless
B. Colorless and odorless
Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which environmental hazard is most commonly
associated with homes built before 1978?
A. Asbestos
B. Mold
C. Lead-based paint
D. Radon
Answer: C. Lead-based paint
Rationale: Federal law presumes homes built before 1978
may contain lead-based paint, requiring specific disclosures.
2. Radon is best described as:
A. A type of mold
B. A radioactive gas
C. A pesticide
D. An asbestos fiber
,Answer: B. A radioactive gas
Rationale: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that
can accumulate inside buildings.
3. Asbestos becomes most hazardous when it:
A. Gets wet
B. Is painted
C. Is disturbed and fibers become airborne
D. Is covered with insulation
Answer: C. Is disturbed and fibers become airborne
Rationale: Airborne asbestos fibers can be inhaled and cause
serious lung diseases.
4. Which federal law requires disclosure of lead-based paint
hazards?
A. CERCLA
B. Clean Water Act
C. Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act
D. Fair Housing Act
Answer: C. Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction
Act
Rationale: This law requires disclosures for residential
properties built before 1978.
5. Black mold is commonly associated with:
,A. Dry conditions
B. Excess moisture
C. High elevation
D. Concrete foundations
Answer: B. Excess moisture
Rationale: Mold requires moisture to grow and spread.
6. The primary health concern from radon exposure is:
A. Skin cancer
B. Lung cancer
C. Liver disease
D. Kidney disease
Answer: B. Lung cancer
Rationale: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer
after smoking.
7. A real estate licensee should:
A. Diagnose environmental hazards
B. Recommend professional inspections when appropriate
C. Remove hazardous materials
D. Certify homes as hazard-free
Answer: B. Recommend professional inspections when
appropriate
Rationale: Licensees should disclose known facts but avoid
acting as environmental experts.
, 8. Which material was commonly used for insulation and
fireproofing?
A. Vinyl
B. Fiberglass
C. Asbestos
D. Gypsum
Answer: C. Asbestos
Rationale: Asbestos was widely used because of its fire-
resistant properties.
9. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation is associated
primarily with:
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Formaldehyde gas emissions
C. Radon
D. Lead contamination
Answer: B. Formaldehyde gas emissions
Rationale: UFFI may release formaldehyde gas, especially
when newly installed.
10. Carbon monoxide is:
A. Visible and odorless
B. Colorless and odorless