Here’s the announcement from Senator Fine’s website:

“SPRINGFIELD – To better protect the health of children and all Illinois residents, the use of toxic coal tar-based pavement sealant in construction projects at public schools and state agencies will have to be disclosed under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which was signed into law Friday.

“Children and families across Illinois should be able to live their lives without exposure to cancer-causing chemicals on the playground or at work,” Senator Fine said. “This law will protect our communities today and our environment for years to come.”

Under Senator Fine’s Coal Tar Sealant Act, public schools, public school districts, daycares and state agencies will be required to disclose the use of coal tar-based sealant on playgrounds, parking lots and other paved areas. This measure will also require groups planning to use coal tar-based sealant for a pavement project to look into cleaner alternatives.

High levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) are found in coal tar sealants used in pavement projects, which could lead to environmental contamination as the sealants wear away over time. There are environmentally friendly alternatives to coal tar-based sealants with little to no PAH that are available at a similar cost.

Studies have shown PAH compounds may cause cancer, birth defects and other health complications. Lifelong exposure to coal tar-treated pavements and playgrounds can increase an individual’s cancer risk by 38 times.

“Clearing playgrounds, schools, park districts and public buildings of coal tar is an important step to eliminating a pollutant that is a threat to our local environment and a health hazard to Illinoisans,” said State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), who sponsored the bill in the House. “Removing coal tar products will help ensure our communities are a safe place for our kids to grow up.”

Senate Bill 692 was signed into law Friday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

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Read more here.

The post “Senator Fine measure to protect communities from toxic pavement sealants signed into law” appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

1. Watch for water puddles – Water can penetrate the surface of your asphalt pavement and erode the base, weakening the foundation. Standing water in the form of water puddles indicates that you have an ineffective drainage system. The best way to guard against water damage is to have an efficient drainage system that pulls water down into the sewer or storm drain and off of the pavement, eliminating water accumulation.

2. Check for cracking – Some amount of cracking is caused naturally by the environment over time. Because of this natural wear and tear, it’s important to have regular maintenance to tend to cracks while they are minor issues. When left unrepaired, cracks can evolve into dangerous potholes or larger, harder to repair cracks. This type of damage can render your asphalt pavement useless. Taking immediate action when you find cracks is key to preserving your asphalt pavement’s lifespan.

3. Invest in sealcoating – Sealcoating is generally performed about one year after new pavement is laid. Sealcoating extends your pavement’s lifespan. It helps cover minor cracks, preventing them from becoming serious problems. It not only protects your investment in your asphalt pavement but it also refreshes the color and look of your pavement, restoring its beautiful appearance and curb appeal.

Your asphalt pavement is an investment in your property and its value. Knowing what to look for and how to make your asphalt pavement last longer helps you maximize that investment. While wear and tear is normal and will happen, how you repair and maintain your pavement makes a huge difference in how long it lasts. Watching for water puddles, checking for cracks and investing in sealcoating will help your asphalt pavement go the distance for you. For more information about sealcoating and asphalt pavement maintenance and repair, call EcoShield today!

The post How to Make Your Asphalt Pavement Last Longer appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

1. Check for signs of ground settlement – If your asphalt is settling and becoming uneven or showing cracks, this could mean the ground or foundation under your asphalt needs repairs or replacement. If left alone, asphalt settlement can cause severely uneven surfaces and major cracks. This can also lead to water intrusion and more serious problems later on. If you notice settlement, you’ll want to plan to address it come springtime, knowing that the winter temps and cold rains could make it worse.

2. Check for potholes and cracks – If you have potholes or cracks, it’s important to have those repaired as soon as possible. Winter chill and cold rains can cause cold water seep under your asphalt through potholes and cracks. Water under your pavement layer is not a good thing as it can cause your asphalt to deteriorate and break down. Repair potholes and seal cracks before the coldest and wettest part of winter hits to protect your pavement layer.

3. Check the thickness of your asphalt layer – The thickness of your asphalt layer can be an indicator of how well your asphalt will hold up to the cooler temperatures and chilly rains. If your asphalt layer is two to three inches thick, you should be okay as long as you repair cracks and potholes and aren’t experiencing ground settlement. Ideally, an asphalt layer of five inches or more is best to stand up to the wet and cold winter conditions. Even if your pavement layer is on the thicker side, it’s important to protect it. Consider sealcoating your pavement to help seal small cracks and help protect against water damage.

While our southeastern winters are milder than other regions, that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when preparing your asphalt for winter. It’s important to check for ground settlement, potholes and cracks and the thickness of your asphalt layer. A layer of Pitch Black sealcoating can also help protect your asphalt from the elements while being safe for the environment.

The post Preparing Your Asphalt Before Winter appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

An excerpt:

Yarmouth has become the first municipality in Maine to ban the sale and use of coal tar sealant, which one conservation district commissioner likens to “toxic black paint.”

The Town Council approved the ban passed Dec. 16 ahead of a state measure going into effect Oct. 1, 2024. Yarmouth is the only municipality in Maine to pass the prohibition.

“The town felt that we wanted to be a little more aggressive in our enforcement of this new rule,” Town Engineer Steven Johnson said. “So we opted to do a local ban on the material sooner than that.”

Another excerpt:

“A black liquid sealant that is sprayed or painted onto pavement to improve its appearance, coal tar contains more than 200 types of a harmful chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. Several of those hydrocarbons are human carcinogens and are harmful to waterways and aquatic life, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Friction from car tires can cause the seal coat to come off in small particles, which are then washed off by rain and carried down storm drains and into bodies of water. The particles can stick to tires, soles of shoes and feet and be carried elsewhere, where they can also be inhaled, the Geological Survey says.”

Check out the full article here.

Do you know about any bans in your area? Want to know more? Check out www.coaltarfreeamerica.com, www.asma-usa.org, or www.ecoshieldasphalt.tempurl.host.

The post “Yarmouth Enacts Local Ban on Sealant Containing Coal Tar” appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

However, there are many questions that people have about the process, and we’re here to answer them.

Here, we’ll address the most common questions about sealcoating and provide you with detailed information about why it is crucial to choose a high-quality asphalt sealcoat applied by a professional in your local area.

1. Why apply two thin coats of sealcoat instead of one thick coat?

It’s crucial to apply two thin coats of sealcoat because this process ensures that all areas of the pavement are evenly covered. A single thick coat can cause puddles that will cause irregular drying, leading to cracking and spalling. Additionally, two thin coats give you a more uniform appearance that is visually appealing.

2. Why did my sealcoat dry gray instead of black?

The color of the sealcoat is an indication of the quality of the coating. Poor-quality coatings and products may cause the sealcoat to dry gray. In contrast, high-quality sealcoat, such as Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat, contains an advanced pigment dispersion that results in a vibrant, deep black color, and a long-lasting finish.

3. Why does sealcoat wear out faster in high traffic areas?

Sealcoat is a protective barrier against UV rays and other weather elements that cause damage and fading to the asphalt. However, high traffic areas will wear down the sealcoat faster because of the constant friction and abrasion. A good way to prevent this is to reapply the sealcoat every two to three years to maintain its strength and effectiveness.

4. How soon can I apply sealcoat to new asphalt pavement?

New asphalt pavement needs time to cure before applying sealcoat. Typically, it’s recommended to wait at least six months before applying a sealcoat. However, it’s best to consult with a professional sealcoat applicator to determine the time frame as it may depend on other factors such as the climate in your area.

5. What is slurry and how is it different from sealcoat?

Both slurry and sealcoat are protective coatings applied to asphalt pavement. However, slurry is a mix of fine aggregate, asphalt emulsion and water while sealcoat is a liquid mix. Slurry provides a textured finish for the pavement while sealcoat provides a smooth finish.

6. What is a mix design?

A mix design is a specific formula used to create the sealcoat mix that is applied to pavement. A good mix design includes a balance of high-quality asphalt emulsion with high-quality fillers that extend the life of the pavement.

7. Why does some sealcoat cause skin irritation and burning?

Some sealcoat contains high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are dangerous to humans and animals. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a sealcoat with low PAH levels to prevent skin irritation and burning while applying the sealcoat. Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat is environmentally friendly and contains 0.00% PAHS, reducing exposure to harmful elements.

8. What are common sealcoating bonding problems?

Common problems include dirt and debris on the pavement surface, surface temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and oil and gas spills. These issues can result in poor bonding and reduced effectiveness of the sealcoat. It is essential to have a clean, dry surface before application, a temperature range of between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit and spills cleaned up before application of the sealcoat.

9. Why Choose Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat?

Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, environmentally friendly asphalt sealcoat. It is non-toxic and safe for people, pets and the environment. Pitch Black Sealcoat has added reagents that extend the life of the sealcoat and makes it resistant to the harmful effects of UV rays.

Sealcoating is an essential step in extending the lifespan of your asphalt pavement. By understanding the questions and answers above, you can ensure that the process is done effectively, efficiently and safely. To ensure the best results, it’s crucial to use a high-quality sealcoat like Pitch Black Asphalt Emulsion Sealcoat, which is environmentally friendly and provides long-lasting protection. EcoShield Asphalt Products is the Pitch Black manufacturer in the Carolinas and is committed to providing safe, non-toxic sealcoat across the area that protects families and the environment.

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