Coal Tar Pitch, also known as Coal Tar or Pitch, is a hazardous chemical called a volatile. It is listed on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance List with many organizations including OSHA, DOT, NFPA, NTP, IARC and more. Coal Tar is a flammable liquid used as a base for coatings or paint, in paving and as a binder for asphalt. This chemical is a dangerous fire hazard as a fire from this product produces poisonous gases. Coal Tar is also a known human carcinogen or cancer-causing substance.

Coal Tar and the Environment

Coal Tar is so detrimental to the environment that the EPA requires any spills or leaks of this chemical to be handled as hazardous waste. Also, companies that use this chemical must also follow hazardous substance regulations in the containment and disposal of this chemical. Run-off from Coal Tar seal coated pavement contains high concentrations of a toxic substance called Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAHs. PAHs are harmful to human life and toxic to aquatic life when it makes its way into our rivers, lakes, streams and ponds. Even more concerning is that Coal Tar-based sealants abrade over time and become part of the dust on the road where it is dispersed by wind, rain, car tires and even your feet into surrounding areas. This disbursement is how PAHs end up in soil and the surrounding environment–even as part of the dust inside your home.

Run-off into lakes, streams, ponds, rivers and other waterways have a disastrous effect, killing fish and causing fish embryos in the water to mutate. It also ends up in our storm systems through run-off into sewers and drains. Even worse, the toxicity of PAHs can be intensified by sunlight, making this component of Coal Tar even more deadly to aquatic, animal and human life. PAHs not only impact water quality but also air quality. Testing has shown that Coal Tar seal-coated pavement continues to release PAHs into the air for at least eight years after application. Experts agree that new applications of Coal Tar-based sealcoating release more PAHs in a year than the total annual vehicle emissions of PAHs.

Pitch Black vs Coal Tar

Coal Tar Pitch is a hazardous, cancer-causing, environmentally devastating product. That’s why EcoShield manufactures Pitch Black, a non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, eco-friendly alternative to Coal Tar Pitch that not only eliminates the environmental impacts but is safe and holds up better and longer. When you know better, you can choose better and demand better for your community and your neighborhood. To learn more about Pitch Black, check out our product information page here: https://www.ecoshieldasphalt.tempurl.host/#ecofriendly. And if you have questions, we’d love to answer them so give us a call!

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1. Saves money – Costs of maintaining pavement’s condition is far lower than the cost of significant repairs or replacement. Pavement maintenance saves money.

2. Better traffic flow – Pavement that is kept in good condition requires fewer traffic delays due to construction. Pavement maintenance prevents construction-related traffic delays.

3. Extends the service life of the pavement – Pavement maintenance helps extend the service life of your paved road or lot by keeping up with small repairs and preventing major distresses so your paved area remains in good condition for a longer period of time.

4. Reduces damage to vehicles – Pavement maintenance helps prevent damage to vehicles caused by potholes and other pavement distresses by keeping the road in good condition. Good pavement maintenance and management reduces road hazards for vehicles.

5. Protects the environment – Pavement maintenance generally uses 80% less of the earth’s non-renewable resources when compared to major repairs or replacement. Good pavement management is good for the environment and protects our planet.

Not only is pavement replacement expensive, but it’s also harmful for the environment, creates delays for drivers and creates inconvenience. The benefits of pavement maintenance and management far outweigh the expense and impacts of pavement replacement or major repairs. Keeping pavement in good condition from the beginning helps ward off serious structural issues and extends the life of the paved road or lot. For more information about pavement maintenance, contact EcoShield Asphalt Products today.

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