Runoff from pavement with coal-tar-based sealant

From the U.S. Geological Survey:

Runoff from pavement with coal-tar-based sealant is toxic to aquatic life, damages DNA and impairs DNA repair.

Pavement #sealant is a black liquid sprayed or painted on the asphalt pavement of parking lots, driveways and playgrounds to improve appearance and protect the underlying asphalt. Pavement sealants that contain coal tar have extremely high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Coal tar is a known human carcinogen; several #PAHs are probable human carcinogens and some are toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

Read more at http://on.doi.gov/1cjilmj.

Photo: A professional applicator applies coal-tar-based sealcoat to a test plot used to measure emission of PAHs into the air. (Credit: USGS)

#USGS #science