The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is asking schools to help prevent stormwater pollution and phase out use of pavement sealers with harmful chemicals. Since July 2012, state agencies have been restricted from purchasing coal tar-based pavement sealers and 21 cities in Minnesota currently ban the use of coal tar-based products within their boundaries.
Coal-tar based sealers contain high levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or P-A-Hs. Some P-A-Hs are known human carcinogens and may also harm fish and other aquatic life. Studies show that P-A-Hs are released from coal tar-based sealcoats. The P-A-Hs can contaminate surface waters as well as stormwater and make it difficult and more costly for cities to maintain stormwater ponds.
Coal-tar based sealers contain high levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or P-A-Hs. Some P-A-Hs are known human carcinogens and may also harm fish and other aquatic life. Studies show that P-A-Hs are released from coal tar-based sealcoats. The P-A-Hs can contaminate surface waters as well as stormwater and make it difficult and more costly for cities to maintain stormwater ponds.
