====== Environmental Hazards and Regulations ======

Environmental laws and natural conditions can restrict land use and affect value.

===== 1. Common Environmental Hazards =====

  * Asbestos: insulation and fireproofing in older buildings
  * Lead-based paint: residential properties built before 1978
  * Mold: moisture-related indoor air hazard
  * Radon: naturally occurring radioactive gas
  * Underground storage tanks (USTs): petroleum or chemical leakage
  * Methamphetamine contamination: chemical residue from illegal labs

===== 2. Natural Hazards =====

  * Earthquake fault zones
  * Flood hazard areas
  * Wildfire hazard severity zones
  * Landslides and soil instability

California requires Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) reports.

===== 3. Environmental Regulations =====

  * California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): environmental impact review for development projects
  * Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
  * State and local hazardous waste laws
  * Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act

===== 4. Licensee Responsibilities =====

  * Disclose known environmental hazards
  * Recommend expert inspections when appropriate
  * Avoid providing technical opinions beyond licensee expertise
  * Use statutory disclosure forms when required

Failure to disclose material facts may result in liability.