Our Toxic Roads

The new coal-tar pavement or sealant that is laid on a driveway, street, parking or playground lot is something you’ve probably smelled many times. We have all wondered about the toxicity of the horrible smelling stuff. It is toxic as it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A study recently released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District have identified coal-tar sealants as the primary source of PAHs and called a major source of contamination in urban and suburban areas as well as a potential concern for human health and aquatic life. And …read more