Great New Resource for Coal Tar Info
Every now again a community comes along to assemble the disparate sources of information about coal tar sealants in one place. It serves the purpose to assist their respective communities in decision making and is a communication tool if any legislative action is taken. The City of Austin, TX did this early on in their […]
“Bans Won’t Affect Business in Long-Term” says MN Sealant CEO
Often it is said that alternative products are inferior and that the ban of coal tar sealants will hurt small business. Not exactly says the CEO of Jet-Black Sealant, Nick Kelso. “There are pros and cons to both,” Kelso said. “We don’t think (the bans) will affect business in the long-term.” This recent article in […]
Holy Tar Balls! Most Coal Tar for CTS is Imported!
Yes, sorry to say it is true! Put in its simpliest terms: we import what should be hazardous waste to spread all over our nation to make our driving surfaces look prettier and last longer. What year is this? Years ago, industry petitioned the EPA so coal tar could get an exemption from hazardous waste rules […]
Just How Toxic Are Coal Tar Sealants?
We continue to hear some say that coal tar sealants have the toxic ingredients refined out (generally polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAH). This in spite of the laboratory levels of showing extremely high concentrations. A few years ago, I came across this research that got little attention when presented back in 1997. It pre-dates any of […]
Chicago Tribune: What if CTS is on My Driveway?!
Link to Chicago Tribune ArticleThe author provides some good starting points for people to understand their options, but I want to make some clarifications. Regarding the field test for the presence of coal tar sealant, please follow the recommended safety precautions listed on this blog (link to field test). This is toxic stuff and it […]
Poll of over 1000 Sealant Applicators: Which Sealant Do You Prefer?
MicroPoll I thought you might enjoy looking at an online poll of sealant applicators on what products they prefer. As of this writing, it is 60% coal tar and 40% asphalt. If you go to the individual states, then click and hover your cursor above it, you can see a state by state breakdown. While […]
Chicago Tribune on CTS: Toxic goop; It might be coating your driveway and tracked into your home
High levels of a toxic chemical in coal tar have been found in the fast-growing McHenry County village of Lake in the Hills. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) Good solid article from the Tribune in the heart of coal tar sealant country. Congrats Michael. It is a complex subject and succinctly put comparison of well-known contamination sites […]
Industry “Study” Says No Effect in Austin From Sealant Ban
Wow, with a preconceived outcome and limited data it is little wonder what the results would be. Here are some very obvious thoughts about this industry sponsored study. To paraphrase Lyndon Johnson, environmental stewardship is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time. The Austin coal tar […]