North Carolina Environmental
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Environmental questions on the North Carolina exam cover both federal environmental laws and North Carolina-specific disclosure requirements. Federal topics include lead-based paint (pre-1978 housing), asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks, and CERCLA liability. North Carolina has additional state-level environmental disclosure requirements enforced by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) — including North Carolina-specific environmental conditions that affect property use and disclosure. Environmental questions trip up candidates who studied only federal law without reviewing the NC-specific overlay.
North Carolina Exam Study Resources
Everything you need to pass — in one place.
North Carolina Environmental — Practice Questions & Answers
108 questions on Environmental from the North Carolina real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 108.
Q1. North Carolina requires disclosure of lead-based paint hazards in residential properties built before:
Explanation
Federal law (and North Carolina practice) requires disclosure of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in residential properties built before 1978.
Q2. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that typically enters buildings through:
Explanation
Radon enters buildings primarily through cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation, walls, and floors where the building contacts the soil.
Q3. EPA action level for radon that recommends mitigation is:
Explanation
The EPA recommends mitigation when radon levels reach 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
Q4. Asbestos is considered most hazardous when it is in a:
Explanation
Asbestos in friable (crumbling) condition releases microscopic fibers into the air, which when inhaled can cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma.
Q5. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in North Carolina:
Explanation
A Phase I ESA is a records review and visual inspection to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs); it does not involve sampling or testing.
Q6. Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are a concern in commercial real estate transactions because:
Explanation
Leaking USTs can release petroleum products and other chemicals into the soil and groundwater, creating significant environmental liability and cleanup costs.
Q7. CERCLA (the Superfund law) imposes cleanup liability on:
Explanation
CERCLA imposes joint and several liability on potentially responsible parties (PRPs) including current owners, past owners when contamination occurred, waste generators, and transporters.
Q8. Mold in a home is most commonly caused by:
Explanation
Mold requires moisture to grow. Excessive moisture from leaks, flooding, or high humidity combined with poor ventilation creates conditions for mold growth.
Q9. Which federal law requires sellers of homes built before 1978 to disclose known lead-based paint hazards?
Explanation
Title X (the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992) and its implementing regulations require disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing.
Q10. Wetlands in North Carolina are regulated primarily by:
Explanation
Wetlands in North Carolina are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act) and the NC Division of Water Resources at the state level.
Q11. A 'brownfield' site in North Carolina is a property where:
98 more Environmental questions
Create a free account to unlock all 108 North Carolina Environmental questions with full explanations.
Free account · No credit card · Instant access to 25 questions
Ready to take the full exam? Start free.
25 free questions · No signup · Instant access to all North Carolina topics