These sealants, used mostly in the eastern half of the USA to beautify pavement and extend its life, contain up to 35% coal tar pitch, which the National Toxicology Program considers a human carcinogen
Last month, Minnesota became the second state — after Washington — to ban pavement sealants that contain coal tar, and the New York Assembly passed a similar bill.
Officials are acting to limit the cost of removing and disposing of contaminated sediment in waterways. They've passed bans in recent years in dozens of cities and counties in Minnesota, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Texas, New York, Maryland and Washington state. Others, in six additional states, have restricted use.
Some of its toxic compounds evaporate into the air, which is why sealed parking lots give off a strong odor.
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Originally posted by JNA
