Do Not Use Coal-Tar-Based Sealcoats
Tumors in brown bullhead catfish are believed to be related to elevated PAH concentrations Photograph by A.E. Pinkney.
PAHs from coal-tar enter the body through inhaled dust or through the skin. Luckily this child plays on an asphalt-based surface with no coal-tar.
Coal tar-based sealcoats are used to seal driveways. These products contain carcinogenic chemicals called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are known to be harmful to humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.
PAHs can enter the watershed as stormwater runoff from surfaces treated with coal-tar. Once they contaminate a water body, they are very difficult to remediate. PAHs can accumulate in sediments and porewater, where they are absorbed by stream insects and move up the food chain. These organic chemicals are toxic to aquatic life. These compounds may cause cancer in humans.
An easy way to limit exposure to PAHs is to never use coal-tar-based sealants, alternatives are widely available and have significantly lower PAHs.
Solebury Township recommends using an alternative sealant. Alternatives include asphalt- and latex-based products. Additionally, asphalt-based products are shown to last longer than coal-tar. Non coal-based sealants are available at local and chain hardware stores. Make sure to request your contractor use an alternative.
Additional resources (provided by Solebury Township Environmental Advisory Council):
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