EPA: PAH’s & Coal Tar Nastier Than Previously Thought
Maybe the EPA’s historic perspective on coal tar sealants is changing. Based upon new research from the EPA which has been reviewed by an independent team of scientists, the cancer causing potency of coal tar sealants may be going up–a lot! How much? Over 800% higher! Basically the report seeks to update our understanding of […]
Coal Tar = “Dangerous Waste” Says WAC
The State of Washington Senate is currently considering a coal tar sealant ban. In February the ban passed the House of Representatives. Did you know that the main ingredient, coal tar is currently on a list of “dangerous wastes” under Washington State law? About a dozen of coal tar’s PAH constituents are already on the […]
Another State with a Municipal Coal Tar Sealant Ban
As of January 1, 2011 the City of Winfield, Kansas joined the growing list of communities across the US that have passed coal tar sealant bans. We welcome and recognize this community for its vision and willingness to act on what the research has shown: coal tar sealants are a nationwide water quality and a potential human […]
CTS vs. Asphalt-Based Sealant: How Do the Costs Compare?
Here’s a little research on this. Keep in mind that the cost of the two dominant products are sensitive to the price of fuel and susceptible to interruptions in the supply chain. From a retail perspective I “googled” the shopping search engine for driveway sealant products. I got 27 separate products with the following breakdown: […]
“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 […]
Senior Republican Senator Weighs in On CTS
It is unfortunate that some have attempted to frame the discussion on the problem of coal tar sealants (CTS) as a liberal vs. conservative issue (or Democrats vs. Republicans). The say Democrats are for anti-business environmental regulation and Republicans are for eliminating obstructions to the free market. While this may be generally true on some issues, on […]
Major Step Toward a Coal Tar Free Washington!
News tonight that the State of Washington is one step closer to passing the nation’s first statewide ban of coal tar sealants! Earlier today HB1721 passed the House of Representatives and will now move on to the Senate. A copy of the bill can be found at the following link: HB 1721. It prohibits the […]
Our Babies Are Exposed to Tar At Unsafe Levels at School
Some might say this is a bold statement coming from a non-toxicologist. Well let’s do some old fashioned “connect-a-dot” with what we know and see if you might agree. Potent Mutagen We showed previously that CTS are a potent mutagen, right out of the bucket. Just How Toxic is CTS? Uncle Sam Says So […]
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 […]
Tar Heel Town Tackles Toxic Sealant
In July 2010, Boone, North Carolina was affected by a fish kill from fresh, washed-off sealant applied before a rain storm. Nearly 100 fish were killed from this event (the industry claims only 12). The Upper Watauga Riverkeepers mobilized, produced a video, and asked local officials to ban the material. Unfortunately, the Town’s lawyers were uncertain of the rights of […]