Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Law Practice Test

What defect might a home inspector note due to its association with lung cancer?

1. Lead paint

2. Mold

3. Asbestos tiles

4. Radon levels

The correct answer is: Asbestos tiles

The identification of asbestos tiles as a defect by a home inspector is important due to their association with serious health risks, including lung cancer. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials for its fire-resistant properties. However, when asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne and be inhaled, leading to respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure typically happens over prolonged periods and can have significant latency periods before health effects manifest. Given its established link to lung cancer, the presence of asbestos tiles in a home should be noted as a significant defect that could pose health risks to the occupants. Other options, while they may also have health implications, do not tie directly to lung cancer in the same manner. Lead paint is primarily linked to neurological issues, particularly in children. Mold can cause respiratory problems but is not specifically associated with lung cancer. Radon levels, although a known carcinogen related to lung cancer, is not a physical defect in the same sense as asbestos tiles can be identified in a home’s construction materials. Thus, the focus on asbestos tiles reflects its direct and serious association with lung cancer.