The History of Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat

If you’re a sealcoating contractor, you’re probably familiar with the negative aspects of coal tar sealcoat. Coal tar has been shown to be toxic and carcinogenic, causing harm to both humans and the environment. But did you know about the history and background of the alternative sealcoat option, Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat? Let’s dive into the story of Pitch Black and why it’s become a staple for sealcoating contractors across the country.

Coal Tar History

Coal tar was first discovered in 1665, and it has been used medicinally since the early 1800s. At the time, the health risks associated with coal tar were not entirely known. However, by the mid-1900s, it was discovered that coal tar is not only toxic but causes a variety of cancers in humans. When used in sealcoating applications, coal tar damages the ecosystems around it, with deadly consequences for fish and other aquatic life.

Coal tar sealcoat is made from a byproduct of the coal tar refining process called coal tar pitch. It is a thick, black and viscous liquid that contains high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – a group of toxic chemicals that are known carcinogens and mutagens. These chemicals are released from the sealcoat surface during the application, curing and usage of the pavement sealed with it. Inhaling or ingesting these chemicals over time can cause severe health problems like lung cancer, skin cancer, liver damage and respiratory diseases. Studies also show that children exposed to coal tar sealcoat dust have a higher risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Robert Archie, Inventor of Pitch Black

Robert Archie comes from a family with a long history in road construction. His grandfather worked in road construction in the 1920s, and he was later joined by Archie’s father in the 1940s. Together, they created some of the first sealcoat plants in the United States. In the 1970s, Robert Archie joined his father in the industry, determined to do better than coal tar sealcoat.

In the late 1970s, Robert Archie began to research environmentally friendly alternatives to coal tar sealcoat. By the early 1980s, he had developed Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat as a superior alternative to coal tar sealcoat. Pitch Black quickly became a hit out west in the United States, where it has been a staple for over 40 years. More recently, Pitch Black has been introduced to the southeast United States by manufacturers like EcoShield Asphalt Products, the first to bring Pitch Black to the Carolinas and Virginia.

How Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat is Superior

Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat is an eco-friendly alternative to coal tar sealcoat. It is made from asphalt – a natural and sustainable material that is used in road construction and maintenance. The sealcoat does not contain any PAHs, making it safe for both workers and end-users of the pavement. The sealcoat is also non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, making it an ideal option for every day sealcoating needs. Pitch Black is easy to apply, cures quickly and provides a durable and long-lasting protection to the pavement, making it a cost-effective solution for your business.

Pitch Black is not only better for the environment and safer for people, but it is also a superior product in terms of performance. Pitch Black is more flexible than coal tar, making it better at handling shifts in temperature. It’s also more resistant to UV rays, meaning it lasts longer and does not break down as quickly as coal tar sealants. Additionally, Pitch Black is more adhesive than coal tar sealants, staying on the pavement where it is needed, rather than washing away and polluting the environment.

The story of Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat is one of innovation and progress. As a sealcoating contractor, choosing a superior sealcoat like Pitch Black not only benefits your clients but also the environment. EcoShield Asphalt Products is proud to manufacture Pitch Black and provide this eco-friendly product to contractors across the Carolinas and Virginia. Choose Pitch Black, provided by EcoShield or one of our esteemed distributors, for your next sealcoating project and make a positive impact for years to come.