Coal Tar Sealants

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“Coal-tar-based sealcoat products, widely used in the central and eastern U.S. on parking lots, driveways, and even playgrounds, are typically 20−35% coal-tar pitch, a known human carcinogen that contains about 200 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds. Research continues to identify environmental compartments—including stormwater runoff, lake sediment, soil, house dust, and most recently, air—contaminated by PAHs from coal-tar-based sealcoat and to demonstrate potential risks to biological communities and human health.” Environ. Sci. Technol. 2012, 46, 6, 3039–3045

Proposed procurement goals:

Prohibit purchase and use of pavement sealant products containing >0.1% Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by weight, including coal tar-based sealer

Public policy:

Prohibit sale and use of pavement sealant products containing >0.1% Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by weight, including coal tar-based sealer

Case studies:

Ann Arbor, MI banned pavement sealant products containing greater than 0.1% Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by weight, including coal tar-based sealer in a 2016 ordinance, in order to help protect, restore and preserve water quality and the health of residents.
Austin, TX: The city adopted the first ban of coal tar-based sealants in the United States. The City of Austin's City Council voted unanimously to ban the sale and use of coal tar-based sealants in the city. The ban has since been updated to prohibit the sale or use of high PAH pavement products (more than .1% (1000 ppm) PAH by weight).
Dane County, WI banned the use, sale, and/or retail display of coal tar-based sealants.
Washington, DC: Under the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Enhancement Amendment Act of 2008, it is illegal to sell, use, or permit the use of coal tar-based sealants.
State of New York adopted a ban on coal tar-based sealants.
Washington State was the first state to ban the use of coal tar-based sealants in 2011. Minnesota was the second state to ban the use of coal tar-based sealants. Effective January 1, 2014, the Minnesota Legislature banned the sale and use of coal tar-based sealants.
Coal Tar Free America: Ban map