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December 14, 2020 Project No. 20-6235 Page 16 AdvancedGeo An Employee-Owned Company e©.). =•„ 7.0. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS - NON-ASTM SERVICES Additional environmental considerations beyond the scope of the standard ASTM practice that have the potential to pose business environmental risks are discussed below. 7.1. MOLD Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). At the time of the property reconnaissance, no obvious signs of mold/microbiological growth, were observed. 7.2. ASBESTOS CONTAINING BUILDING MATERIALS Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. Prior to the late 1970s, building products and insulation materials commonly contained asbestos. In 1989, the USEPA banned all new uses of asbestos; however, uses developed before 1989 are still allowed. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems. The subject property has no existing structures. 7.3. LEAD-BASED PAINT Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead-based paint (LBP) was used extensively in buildings constructed before 1950. In 1978, LBP was banned by the federal government. Lead may cause a range of health defects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. The subject property has no existing structures.