Read the full story in Great Lakes Echo. Pavement in the Great
Lakes region is often coated with coal tar sealants to protect
it from the elements. The sealed surfaces put toxic chemicals in
air and water long after application, according to a recent
study in Environmental Science and Technology. Researchers from
the U.S. Geological Survey’s Texas Water Science Center found
that coal tar sealed surfaces are a major source of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds. Not all PAH compounds are
the same, but some are highly carcinogenic and some have been
linked to problems in children, like low IQ scores, asthma and
premature births. The chemicals are also toxic to wildlife.