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You're standing on it! Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat and environmental and human health

February 1, 2013

Coal-tar-based sealcoat—a product marketed to protect and beautify asphalt pavement—is a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to air, soils, streams and lakes, and homes. Does its use present a risk to human health?

Results from a new study by researchers from Baylor University and the USGS indicate that living adjacent to a coal-tar-sealed pavement is associated with significant increases in estimated excess lifetime cancer risk, and that much of the increased risk occurs during early childhood.

Publication Year 2013
Title You're standing on it! Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat and environmental and human health
Authors Barbara Mahler, Peter C. Van Metre
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title APWA Reporter
Index ID 70045621
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Texas Water Science Center