Glossary · Reading the business
Hazardous substance
In short
Any material that can pose a risk to human health or the environment, such as chemicals, petroleum, or asbestos. Discovering these on a property can create significant liabilities for a buyer.
What it means in a deal
During due diligence, especially in an Environmental Investigation, look for evidence of hazardous substances. Their presence can trigger expensive remediation requirements and affect the property's value or the business's operations. Understand the costs and legal obligations before closing.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
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Common questions about Hazardous substance
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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