KXAN: Doggett Pushes Ban on Dangerous Sealant

April 24, 2012

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Congressman Lloyd Doggett is takingthe fight against coal tar sealants – the black coating sprayed on pavedsurfaces like driveways and parking lots – to Washington.

Doggett, D-Austin, recently introduced legislation – the CoalTar Sealants Reduction Act - to phase out this material – a major source ofpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHS. Several PAHs are known to be toxic toaquatic life, in addition to possible human carcinogens – a known cause ofcancer.

"The threat that these substances pose to ourecosystems and our health, especially our children's health, demands action,"said Doggett. "In the roughly 10 years since we were first alerted to the issueof coal tar sealant pollution in Barton Springs, we have learned that this is anationwide problem that we are exposed to through the air we breathe and thedust that is tracked into our homes. This is a common-sense measure."

Several places across the nation have startedimplementing restrictions against the material, including Washington State,Dane County in Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. In 2006, the city ofAustin completely banned future use of the sealant.

In a letter to Congress, the Clean Water Networkstated, "This bill would protect public health and the environment by banningthe use of this unnecessary poison. We applaud Congressman Lloyd Doggett forintroducing this important legislation."

Doggett has been pushing since 2003 for tighterregulations on the use of the tar and has asked the EPA to conduct a nationalstudy on the substance.

By Josh Hinkle