Human Health, Coal Tar Sealants, & PAHs: the State of the Science
While our understanding continues to develop on coal tar sealants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and human health, […]
Paint It Black by the USGS Band
Well if you’re hoping for a Rolling Stones’ song here you may be disappointed. However the United States Geological Survey (USGS) assembled their own “band” of experts to look at air quality and runoff quality of a freshly sealed coal tar parking area. These researchers have been creatively working on this issue for more than […]
Industry Quietly Drops Coal Tar Sealant Standard
In a move that may signal a further weakening of the coal tar sealant industry, one of their standards for residential applications recently lapsed. Interesting since one of the sealant industry’s lofty claims is that their product has an ASTM standard. If you’re not familiar with the organization, ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) […]
First Known Federal Agency Goes Coal Tar Free
Credit: U.S. Geological Survey; Department of the Interior/USGS; U.S. Geological Survey/photo by P.K. Cascio According the Bill Fulk, Chief, Design & Construction Section at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the USGS has sent out a memorandum to all of its facility managers that coal tar sealants should no longer be used on any of their paved surfaces. As far […]
New Report Calls for “Decisive Action” to Address Sealant Residue in the Mighty Mississippi
Decisive action is needed to address PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) from coal tar pavement sealants and other contaminants of concern in the Mississippi River according to a recently published report. These are part of the problems found in the section of the River running through the Minneapolis metropolitan area by a joint effort by the […]
Another Coal Tar Sealer Extinction Factor: Fuel Resistant Alternatives
Sealcoaters around the country privately admit that the days of coal tar sealants are numbered. Long term users refer to it as a dinosaur facing extinction. While there are plenty of environmental and economic reasons for ending this product’s use, one of its previous performance distinctions, fuel resistance, is fading away as well. Here’s why. […]
Air Quality and Coal Tar Pavement Sealers, the State of the Science
There is an abundance of research on the air quality impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s). While much of the work has focused on industrial workers1, recent studies have included the effects of airborne PAH’s on the unborn including obesity2, lower IQ 3, and behavioral problems 4. Very few studies have been done specifically on […]
The Million Marylander Measure: Suburban DC County Emerges with the State’s First Coal Tar Sealant Ban
The Great Falls of the Potomac inMontgomery County, Maryland Earlier today Montgomery County, Maryland (pop. 971,000) passed the State’s first ban of coal tar pavement sealers. Montgomery County is the 8th most affluent county in the US and the most educated. It is the third largest ban to be passed in the US and the […]
Texas-sized Aquifer District Hears All Hat and No Cattle Presentation from Industry
Earlier today the Pavement Coating Technology Council (PCTC) presented their version of coal tar sealant reality to the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA). The EAA, with a potential effected jurisdiction over 1 million, is considering a ban of coal tar pavement sealants in an area that covers portions of several counties in sensitive groundwater recharge areas. […]
Toxic Trail Across the US, a Coal Tar Sealer Infographic
Toxic Trail Across the US, a Coal Tar Sealant Infographic. Please click twice on the arrow above to get started. on Prezi If I had one graphic to convey the key ideas about what we know today about coal tar sealant pollution, this is it. It contains videos, stats and key headlines that have covered […]