tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52127350010058477832024-02-19T00:06:23.159-06:00Coal Tar Free AmericaDedicated To Researching, Educating, And Advocating For The Ban And Elimination Of Toxic Coal Tar Sealants (CTS) From Our Parking Lots, Homes, And Environment.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger374125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-25204614758594130082017-06-23T09:13:00.000-05:002017-07-12T23:13:55.800-05:00Crayola's "Safety" Commitment Ignores Exposure to Toxic Coatings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTx-wZMcgc1rjyprcU9n1Jl0vJljPPFc6gW4c769ng2bRSNFwiKLzyRf5cpKy1BEiUtwZdsu5-lzpDvCBJ8__B2g39qWXmG-n1tVi4v5sgeSVgYhH6qx0sVVTqPhK8U46z1HtZaDivDo/s1600/coaltarcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTx-wZMcgc1rjyprcU9n1Jl0vJljPPFc6gW4c769ng2bRSNFwiKLzyRf5cpKy1BEiUtwZdsu5-lzpDvCBJ8__B2g39qWXmG-n1tVi4v5sgeSVgYhH6qx0sVVTqPhK8U46z1HtZaDivDo/s320/coaltarcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="nanospell-typo-disabled" data-cke-bogus="true">Crayola</span> Seems Concerned about Safety</h3>
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You would think that a company that appears to obsess about the safety of kids using their products would at least warn adults about the exposure of children to toxic coal tar sealers. Coal tar sealers are the black coating still used in many parts of the country on parking lots, playgrounds, and driveways. Nope, that warning is nowhere to be found, yet the <a href="http://www.crayola.com/support/craft-safety.aspx" target="_blank">list of warnings</a> otherwise looks like it was written by a team of product liability lawyers:</div>
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<i>“ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling.”</i><br />
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<i>"Choose safe outdoor areas, away from traffic and dangerous equipment." </i></div>
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<i>"Health professionals caution against using recycled toilet paper tubes for arts & crafts projects because of potential fecal contamination."</i><br />
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Citizen Concern Voiced Over a Year Ago</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1NuTbQUxTvdBl3YJZk4Ah0qYrKhWhfVeBEHdrqJHBB4ib7TNXWwFBmTU2Xg9Qzpulu_VJqDEHwyULbrvqgzVQp9mN2lEQvdxLxXESRXQlLLP-fMaWwY9JuXWZYl0AdVxPcmx0lPaKDs/s1600/drawinsidebody.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1NuTbQUxTvdBl3YJZk4Ah0qYrKhWhfVeBEHdrqJHBB4ib7TNXWwFBmTU2Xg9Qzpulu_VJqDEHwyULbrvqgzVQp9mN2lEQvdxLxXESRXQlLLP-fMaWwY9JuXWZYl0AdVxPcmx0lPaKDs/s320/drawinsidebody.JPG" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from a <a href="https://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/draw-inside-the-human-body-lesson-plan/" target="_blank">Crayola Lesson Plan</a> for Teachers</td></tr>
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However over a year ago, former Springfield (MO) Councilman (and coal tar gadfly) Dan Chiles wrote the following letter. He was concerned that the extensive safety precautions failed to mention the risks to children using sidewalk chalk on toxic coal tar sealed surfaces.<br />
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Kids just don't use the playground or driveway surface like a canvas, but they get a whole lot of skin contact and at a level where off-gassing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from coal tar sealers can be quite potent and trigger asthma attacks.<br />
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Just look at the collage assembled above from social media accounts of parents gleefully and obliviously photographing their children for a contest run by Crayola using the hashtag: <a href="http://www.crayola.com/splash/promos/chalkartsweeps.aspx" target="_blank">#SidewalkSelfieSweeps</a>!<br />
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How big a concern is this? There is a lot of data on this but here are some summary comments.</div>
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A toxicologist <a href="https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/coal-tar-sealants-cancer" target="_blank">studying the e</a>ffects of coal tar sealers for asphalt said that there are likely many Americans with cancer from this source and don't even know about it. He, Dr. Spencer Williams (then at Baylor and now at the CDC) also said, </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">"with the concentrations you see on a coal tar sealed pavement you would get a significant exposure with a single hand to mouth motion." </b><a href="https://youtu.be/qlETVVBSKK4" target="_blank">Link</a></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyn6Ya64mjjIdUoOvqAVGxsnH1i7QnoiO1qRvjEbEIVNquQosryMBlKIYlm6csfUKIj6chvytxbJE1nE_sZ3w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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As a result this product has been <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/p/bans.html" target="_blank">banned</a> in a few states and several cities.<br />
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Now a year later, there has been no change to Crayola's website. We would like to know why that is. Wouldn't you?<br />
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Likely an oversight by someone who put it in the "tin hat" bin for crazy consumers. Or maybe it was lost in the mail. What other explanation is there?<br />
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Don't you think Crayola could use their reach and influence to help educate teachers and parents to this danger? I hope so. Maybe they could use this hashtag:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">#LookB4UChalk</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYsEeJKPnawhmBzcFlJTb5_ZnnOt07fHCBlARmMSp24CfrLmjvvSVwSmPTFAYPfRUrxSiG0n7fC4aOI1SoHQmVfn4__CPA7NDnPuljG3yr161P-YdPRKOGBnGuvTbqTC0KJ_ILQmQHsk/s1600/sidewalk+chalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYsEeJKPnawhmBzcFlJTb5_ZnnOt07fHCBlARmMSp24CfrLmjvvSVwSmPTFAYPfRUrxSiG0n7fC4aOI1SoHQmVfn4__CPA7NDnPuljG3yr161P-YdPRKOGBnGuvTbqTC0KJ_ILQmQHsk/s320/sidewalk+chalk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>April 27, 2016<br /><br />Dear Crayola,<br /><br />I picked up my nephew’s box of Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk and noted on the back that the product “is designed for use on concrete or asphalt sidewalks and driveways”. On your <a href="http://www.crayola.com/support/craft-safety.aspx">website </a>you say “Crayola considers the safety of children our top priority.”<br /><br />Are you aware that children are using your product to draw on top of toxic waste known as coal tar sealant? There are a growing number of authoritative, peer reviewed scientific studies showing clearly the grave danger to anyone who comes in contact with PAH-laden coal tar sealants.<br /><br />I have enclosed several compilations of critical studies for your review. This includes a very recent study from Oregon State showing that the problem is worse than previously thought.<br /><br />In a few minutes, you will see what some of us have noted for years: Toxic coal tar sealants are a terrible and growing threat to persons who are exposed to it and the problem is much worse for children who, as we know, come in intimate contact with this known poison while drawing pictures on top it.<br /><br />I look forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments.<br /><br /><br />thanks!<br /><br />Dan Chiles<br />Springfield, Missouri<br /><br /><br />United States Geological Survey<br /><a href="http://tx.usgs.gov/sealcoat/pubs.html">http://tx.usgs.gov/sealcoat/pubs.html</a><br /><br />Coal Tar Free America Blog<br /><a href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/">http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />City of Springfield Coal Tar Compilation</i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.springfieldmo.gov/2144/Coal-Tar-Sealants">http://www.springfieldmo.gov/2144/Coal-Tar-Sealants</a></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-12125199819252118762017-06-21T08:20:00.000-05:002017-06-21T08:20:42.754-05:00Inside the Coal Tar Industry's Propaganda to Stop the IL Ban<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs7U4rzdd3Pu4U99uSjb23XK7bpqKaqsSKY1_WxMzZgkHT-7hoN_juOjpz3UNEFgpL6ItcHmqc4p0lZr_wv7bvt_Z53ixye5GKGNlHKF6l98NLnA7d40zYgJw7FLApSRUipSkppAL0FE/s1600/hands-984032_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs7U4rzdd3Pu4U99uSjb23XK7bpqKaqsSKY1_WxMzZgkHT-7hoN_juOjpz3UNEFgpL6ItcHmqc4p0lZr_wv7bvt_Z53ixye5GKGNlHKF6l98NLnA7d40zYgJw7FLApSRUipSkppAL0FE/s320/hands-984032_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last time I checked, the State of Illinois ended their session marking more than 700 days without a working budget. That may have contributed to the difficulty in getting a ban (HB 2958) passed, but the propaganda by the industry didn't help.</div>
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We have obtained a copy of the what the industry was distributing to legislators and it isn't pulling any punches. They continued to propagate fear and falsehood in trying to defeat this legislation. Here's why. The images are clipped directly from the industry's one pager to defeat this legislation.<br />
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<b>Action</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzLYikBTIcDdc4wgjrvhRLHcKPDJ5cS3r__zabNod0Q3ustaBm72XNckoZ7miEM9_wPh_PVA08Dw-jatombeWFLRjElv-6B91fuCQNNce03AyJiCNIN5q0I1kvZZcYAMEjajL7ducsD8/s1600/IL1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="677" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzLYikBTIcDdc4wgjrvhRLHcKPDJ5cS3r__zabNod0Q3ustaBm72XNckoZ7miEM9_wPh_PVA08Dw-jatombeWFLRjElv-6B91fuCQNNce03AyJiCNIN5q0I1kvZZcYAMEjajL7ducsD8/s640/IL1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Marketing experts, paving professionals and industry leaders agree that the use of coal tar sealers is unnecessary and that the industry is thriving and growing even as restrictions on the use of coal tar continues to expand.<br />
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A market research company recently confirmed what one CEO of a sealer company said a few years ago: bans really won’t hurt the sealcoat business.<br />
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<i>In the projected period through 2024, the industry is expected to experience “moderate growth” but <b><span style="font-size: large;">“rising bans on coal tar-based sealers, the improved performance of asphalt-based sealers, and competitive pricing are expected to result in the increased consumption of bitumen and asphalt sealers…”</span></b></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFeW4XgyQLJNfJeENmjZ5amotZgwHieoEiRjXpmgzHDhKJPmHDnz84VM9M9fjfMeylYdlD89ekzP1B8Jx4zWNeD0BQR9-6dZeDxdX3N4H-ElBcGXySggCK-NNSkO_jbWOXPek7y1Q4n4/s1600/NAPA+quote+in+WP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFeW4XgyQLJNfJeENmjZ5amotZgwHieoEiRjXpmgzHDhKJPmHDnz84VM9M9fjfMeylYdlD89ekzP1B8Jx4zWNeD0BQR9-6dZeDxdX3N4H-ElBcGXySggCK-NNSkO_jbWOXPek7y1Q4n4/s640/NAPA+quote+in+WP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YTs0Z9skMxHBAbNsHi5JpEuZPavMn9GC1pCQbrTrZv61TqCbFfUS3eCCLLciq6js1AeUhVITcQypMs-W28_VRsXQTjIR65vOPTqaZivJShQ6rDMFOKut9tUlP9vDkts2klAUuwS8VHQ/s1600/IL2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="742" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YTs0Z9skMxHBAbNsHi5JpEuZPavMn9GC1pCQbrTrZv61TqCbFfUS3eCCLLciq6js1AeUhVITcQypMs-W28_VRsXQTjIR65vOPTqaZivJShQ6rDMFOKut9tUlP9vDkts2klAUuwS8VHQ/s640/IL2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a frequent argument made by the industry. It is a faulty assumption in their logic. They assume that if an agency hasn't officially moved to ban coal tar, then somehow that translates into it being a safe product. You can see that the lack of a ban hardly is an endorsement of its safety. It ignores that the USEPA has done the following:<br />
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<li><a href="https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100ECC8.txt" target="_blank">studied coal tar sealer runoff</a> and found it toxic to aquatic life</li>
<li><a href="https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100ECC8.txt#page=39" target="_blank">recommend</a> that local bans are an effective way to address this pollution source</li>
<li>sponsored a <a href="http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/stormwater/EPAs-Stormwater-Pollution-Prevention-Webinar-Series-Stormwater-Coal-Tar-Sealcoat-and-Polycyclic-Aromatic-Hydrocarbons-PAHs.cfm" target="_blank">webinar </a>on the science of coal tar sealer pollution</li>
<li>published their own<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/113039684/Coal-Tar-Sealcoats-and-Polycyclic-Aromatic-Hydrocarbons?ad_group=1788478&campaign=VigLink&content=27795&irgwc=1&keyword=ft500noi&medium=affiliate&source=impactradius" target="_blank"> fact sheet</a> to discourage its use</li>
<li><a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/02/us-epa-debunks-industrys-witch-hunt.html" target="_blank">rejected requests</a> by the industry to discredit and retract support of the USGS research into coal tar sealer pollution</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIj4LTGFf-DmPC7FYrtKBPUn67wG8tvePH9avHvOnx6wT-w_5V5RWtaXsOHhJ27KLHn-R3Opf52WDoGexIjrrCmVOetIbMDpfqg51gLMhRwrc5qkpGBHu0J1DB_iybGtwjYqBVv7K1dGM/s1600/IL3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="868" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIj4LTGFf-DmPC7FYrtKBPUn67wG8tvePH9avHvOnx6wT-w_5V5RWtaXsOHhJ27KLHn-R3Opf52WDoGexIjrrCmVOetIbMDpfqg51gLMhRwrc5qkpGBHu0J1DB_iybGtwjYqBVv7K1dGM/s640/IL3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Funny that industry would cherry-pick an analysis from Environment Canada where the ultimate recommendation was to ban the product. More precisely they found after they reviewed the entirety of the literature that coal tar sealers meet the legal threshold to ban the product. </div>
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Industry was caught citing this study by the <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2017/03/lesson-in-good-government-leads.html" target="_blank">Village President of Wilmette</a> earlier this year. When asked why they didn't quote the conclusion and only this analysis they said because they don't agree with it. Here's the statement they ignored:</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">"The MOE [risks] associated with ingestion of house dust by children is considered potentially inadequate to protect these susceptible subpopulations."</b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">Here is their concluding statement:</span></span></div>
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<b><i>Overall the evidence appears to support your conclusions that coal tars and their distillates meet the criteria under paragraph 64c of CEPA and they are entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that may constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.</i></b></div>
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This MOE value will take a little more analysis in the future but two facts remain:</div>
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<li>Canada found sufficient grounds to ban coal tar sealers</li>
<li>Cancer is not the only problem caused by PAHs from sources like coal tar sealers. They cause birth defects, learning disorders, behavior problems and trigger asthma. Not exactly safe.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ak_1YA6neH9UYJd5IK33gyojYQ2T4tbXR6yxOyvs-8mhj-J7OkooXPiWd8t3thdCn1oDyuFX474bbd3HshttMefg4l0iUYJloY-OPOmIGDZpgTCLH4-gtAePtSnvjL_ICpFLwnpxMLw/s1600/IL4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="828" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ak_1YA6neH9UYJd5IK33gyojYQ2T4tbXR6yxOyvs-8mhj-J7OkooXPiWd8t3thdCn1oDyuFX474bbd3HshttMefg4l0iUYJloY-OPOmIGDZpgTCLH4-gtAePtSnvjL_ICpFLwnpxMLw/s640/IL4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a pretty infamous list of opposing reasonable legislation. Some have attempted to thwart efforts to reduce useless and dangerous flame retardants as reported by the Chicago Tribune. Others, I guarantee would be kicking over a hornet's nest if their constituency knew they were opposing this reasonable legislation that now just gives the right to ban coal tar sealers. </div>
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Most importantly is the position of the School Association. If you don't agree with their support, then give this person you thoughts:</div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Susan Hilton<br />Director/Governmental Relations</i></div>
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<i>Illinois Association of School Boards<br />217/528-9688, ext. 1135<br /><a href="mailto:shilton@iasb.com" style="color: #0024ff; text-decoration-line: none;">shilton@iasb.com</a></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-45441815436464733862017-06-19T07:59:00.001-05:002017-06-19T07:59:42.961-05:00Overhaul of Coal Tar Free America Underway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKDZ0mMyCZSyKq-dcuNbhY-lKxPbrNzBtfJDuMKYssQ03IvQ0Oy8NDUuCfFv2JXtln0ZwLaBpVezY1QKo0hzkklHXYewuXtsJzYubxbsXFyQnBy2IYLsaw3UxhmUcvF3gG-rbG9_3PPM/s1600/work-in-progress-24027_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1280" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKDZ0mMyCZSyKq-dcuNbhY-lKxPbrNzBtfJDuMKYssQ03IvQ0Oy8NDUuCfFv2JXtln0ZwLaBpVezY1QKo0hzkklHXYewuXtsJzYubxbsXFyQnBy2IYLsaw3UxhmUcvF3gG-rbG9_3PPM/s320/work-in-progress-24027_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div>
After 3 years of continuous tinkering with this site's look and feel, it was time for a major overhaul.<br />
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What you see today is, hopefully, an improved interface, easier navigation, better viewing on all types of devices, and some aids for both frequent and first time visitors.<br />
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While there are still a few annoyances which will continue to be corrected or populated, I hope you agree that this is an improved look. Some of the specific improvements I like are:<br />
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<li>the automatically-generated related posts at the end of each post; </li>
<li>a more uniform design</li>
<li>a VERY user friendly search box (try it, it is very easy on the eyes)</li>
<li>a slide show of older posts</li>
<li>a better layout of recent posts</li>
<li>a collection of videos with thumbnails</li>
</ul>
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Yet to be done is fixing the banner at the top of the page and I'm not loving how it looks on some smaller devices. Sorry about that! <br />
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Enjoy and let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.<br />
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Thank you for those who have worked with us on this. It is appreciated!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-18581370706994079102017-06-14T10:44:00.000-05:002017-06-18T23:27:11.221-05:00New and Despicable: Graphic Summary of Toxic Coal Tar Pollution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW3hIxzGkBYiBJKpF1x4uCNHH34l_Hs3UTzlJPA5-i6muLJUDDfbVKuhbScgpn1NPbGWezRQMBPKHVIuvq_H9KDCuoxZ9zBcfEHI-1D1w8L9u9cuuTGsURiBZNh7GpIVCQXRQJTWoqOw/s1600/despicableboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW3hIxzGkBYiBJKpF1x4uCNHH34l_Hs3UTzlJPA5-i6muLJUDDfbVKuhbScgpn1NPbGWezRQMBPKHVIuvq_H9KDCuoxZ9zBcfEHI-1D1w8L9u9cuuTGsURiBZNh7GpIVCQXRQJTWoqOw/s320/despicableboy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://tx.usgs.gov/sealcoat/articles/Lakeline_Mahler.pdf" width="640"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-10668368331046438912017-06-07T07:59:00.002-05:002017-06-07T08:01:10.161-05:00From Neighborhood to State Law? Coal Tar Ban Bill Goes to CT Governor!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5lvTjul7AWQqufNxfa1uCi2bay1NTJNCMSrMkrEgQH75kIRR6z5JdKI6l_8W0i5V0M-yZtRhii8nUr3fvcia6-65af6XHHXAsZC1Z5u0-QbUPhc4gRW6-MpFEMkfz-_m1TZsDQ9tEm0/s1600/nocoaltar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="324" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5lvTjul7AWQqufNxfa1uCi2bay1NTJNCMSrMkrEgQH75kIRR6z5JdKI6l_8W0i5V0M-yZtRhii8nUr3fvcia6-65af6XHHXAsZC1Z5u0-QbUPhc4gRW6-MpFEMkfz-_m1TZsDQ9tEm0/s320/nocoaltar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Led final passage of new law to protect CT's health and environment by banning coal tar sealants. <a href="https://t.co/Hf67ToZDGw">pic.twitter.com/Hf67ToZDGw</a></div>
— Ted Kennedy Jr. (@TedKennedyJR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TedKennedyJR/status/872429266063044609">June 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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State Representative Pat Boyd on the Coal Tar Bill <a href="https://t.co/TvI4CP0wHd">https://t.co/TvI4CP0wHd</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTube">@YouTube</a></div>
— Rep. Pat Boyd (@RepPatBoyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepPatBoyd/status/826274033083756552">January 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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CT Dept of Public Health warns against the use of coal tar pav't sealers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sealthedeal?src=hash">#Sealthedeal</a> & ban it!<a href="https://t.co/oZdJ0q6h7C">https://t.co/oZdJ0q6h7C</a> <a href="https://t.co/hkUROi4C0M">pic.twitter.com/hkUROi4C0M</a></div>
— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/803963665317789696">November 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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CT residents "unimpressed" w/industry regurgitation & conclusions of coal tar consultant report. Me either <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pomfret?src=hash">#pomfret</a><a href="https://t.co/DYQrAKWcUT">https://t.co/DYQrAKWcUT</a> <a href="https://t.co/cP9SuG6L5h">pic.twitter.com/cP9SuG6L5h</a></div>
— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/797224612278976512">November 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Fog seal or snow job? CT families waiting for report about their toxic road <a href="https://twitter.com/KimRoseBerg">@KimRoseBerg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SU2C">@SU2C</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USEPA">@USEPA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jpennyb">@jpennyb</a><a href="https://t.co/IcsIxp6xP0">https://t.co/IcsIxp6xP0</a> <a href="https://t.co/pzZ5pYCouX">pic.twitter.com/pzZ5pYCouX</a></div>
— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/793879235228151808">November 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Coal tar frustrates this CT community @jpennynb<a href="https://twitter.com/KimRoseBerg">@KimRoseBerg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SierraClubCT">@SierraClubCT</a><a href="https://t.co/K26XUT9dXw">https://t.co/K26XUT9dXw</a> <a href="https://t.co/aWHEJNee6l">pic.twitter.com/aWHEJNee6l</a></div>
— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/769296146388832256">August 26, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-702112626162896052017-05-15T21:25:00.000-05:002017-06-16T16:27:18.131-05:00Asleep at the Wheel? 3 Reasons Why IL Lawmaker is Against Coal Tar Ban<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy84-MxJ3_pCQ-prHIr6dIz99eqTZXOkotrPus-XcYEJO90YtfSZ2EuqhDAAi4o2Axlh7OOJYbXEl1tUo2zc-nAEDJ1Hgs-xalsVhaJdsj5rmKFxbyMv2YilF3zivyt6yPcnDdwWrb__4/s1600/Reick_asleep2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy84-MxJ3_pCQ-prHIr6dIz99eqTZXOkotrPus-XcYEJO90YtfSZ2EuqhDAAi4o2Axlh7OOJYbXEl1tUo2zc-nAEDJ1Hgs-xalsVhaJdsj5rmKFxbyMv2YilF3zivyt6yPcnDdwWrb__4/s320/Reick_asleep2.jpg" /></a>Representative Reick, <br />
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I am taking the time to respond to you because I believe you might have some political courage to have an open mind and act beyond the current agenda of your party. You might be surprised at the fundamentals we agree on, but your conclusions appear to be a leap of convenience which ignores some key facts. <br />
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If you really don't have the courage to go against your peers on this, then you can stop reading right now.<br />
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I actually wrote an article about it recently entitled, "In Search of Some Political Courage." You might read it if interested here: <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2017/03/an-open-letter-in-search-of-some.html" style="font-family: "youtube noto", roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2017/03/an-open-letter-in-search-of-some.html</a><br />
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But if you're interested.... I think you miss the point in your 3 part synopsis. Here's why:<br />
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<b>Flourishing </b><br />
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The role of government is to create an environment to flourish. We agree on this. However flourishing for the public is akin to the "health, welfare and general well-being."<br />
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Exposure to these chemicals is linked to impaired IQ, behavior problems and cancer. How about asthma being triggered by coal tar sealers. That doesn't sound like the "circumstances for flourishing" either does it?<br />
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<b> Jobs</b><br />
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1. You don't want to hurt Illinois businesses? What if you knew that most coal tar in this country comes from China and Mexico and that the production in Stickney will likely continue even with out sealers. So you support imported carcinogens that hurt our homes and families for a few jobs. Why? Even so they can sell it in other states and there are many other products which are made at that facility. I would be willing to bet it isn't even it the top of the revenue stream there.<br />
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Most domestic coal tar production is for aluminum manufacturing not sealcoat. Recent reports are that the domestic aluminum production is the rise and so is the use of domestic coal tar supplies for that purpose. <br />
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<b>Small Government </b><br /><br />2. Least government. Believe or not, we agree on this assumption as well. An example of low or no government intervention is when business takes responsibility for their products and remove the potential damage to its customers. Like Lowes and Home Depot did 10 years ago with coal tar sealers when they took them off the shelves--voluntarily.<br />
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But the commercial side of the industry which makes up 90% or so of the market has dug their heels<br />
in and is fighting this reality. They are a bad actor and that is when regulation is necessary.<br />
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<b>Best Management Practices</b><br />
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3. You assume that through some best practices the damage caused by this product can be made acceptable. None of the methods you mention does anything to protect human health. And research shows that DNA damage happens to aquatic species from runoff more than 100 days after application.<br />
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So we agree on your assumptions but your straw man arguments wouldn't stand up to a stiff wind across an Illinois corn field. Will you reconsider your position or are you truly just asleep at the wheel?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BqfvvHLLfm8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BqfvvHLLfm8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BqfvvHLLfm8">https://youtu.be/BqfvvHLLfm8</a></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-83225601225602351362017-05-15T10:28:00.000-05:002017-05-15T12:34:21.844-05:00ACTION ALERT: IL HB2958 Amended From Coal Tar Ban to Ban Choice<i><br /></i>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ8g9DbaX28xMoGrp-lc05E6j_qsfKAYK9BM2S8wvbV7wPoYqpo3Hk6x5I8iblsM9D-ak6WfyFUeZncLDWDklRehUjX6e0fu957utwQFMBUFVYHxk22PNRhoNpetjDK04znl0dYx4KGA/s1600/Jubilee_and_Munin%252C_Ravens%252C_Tower_of_London_2016-04-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJ8g9DbaX28xMoGrp-lc05E6j_qsfKAYK9BM2S8wvbV7wPoYqpo3Hk6x5I8iblsM9D-ak6WfyFUeZncLDWDklRehUjX6e0fu957utwQFMBUFVYHxk22PNRhoNpetjDK04znl0dYx4KGA/s320/Jubilee_and_Munin%252C_Ravens%252C_Tower_of_London_2016-04-30.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
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<br />
<i>from the Illinois Sierra Club:</i><br />
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Amendment 2 will allow local control to non-home rule municipalities and counties to regulate the use of carcinogenic coal tar pavement sealants. [The only home rule county in Illinois is Cook, and home rule municipalities in Illinois include only those with populations over 25,000.]<br />
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HB2958 Amendment 2 will allow Illinois communities to make the choice to protect its citizens from carcinogenic coal tar sealants in our environment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S55lTM5G5l5K-nx0CisfUHgDXrDHa1dH1a8AFEuwspAFaYSWgD0YvJMlxbLZuPAMgwAEN9KBxw-EbVGyRK8cDHaErB3NxZOyzic_3XKq55j20FvjWyo53PB7pc61UwZOd-J9uI0KjvA/s1600/sierra_club_Amendment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S55lTM5G5l5K-nx0CisfUHgDXrDHa1dH1a8AFEuwspAFaYSWgD0YvJMlxbLZuPAMgwAEN9KBxw-EbVGyRK8cDHaErB3NxZOyzic_3XKq55j20FvjWyo53PB7pc61UwZOd-J9uI0KjvA/s640/sierra_club_Amendment.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Go to this link to contact your legislator:<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1850557555"><br /></a>
<a href="https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/Illinois?actionId=AR0078681&id=70131000001Lp1FAAS&utm_campaign=addthis&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=recruit#.WRmlvjYieBw.twitter" target="_blank">Action Link</a><br />
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Photo credit from Wikimedia: Ravens at the Tower of London 2016<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-78269870785962264972017-05-09T16:16:00.000-05:002017-05-09T16:16:10.088-05:00Tar Ghouls: a Ghastly Reminder<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlEOcHUkz5taYM2xD2BP3UtRI7mJ4CHsmxUWE4Aiv3hLxg0A7LWlWb5foih9OrfzVTqRREnSYYYLlhurrppgka2bQMoFfFUrlLYtbld2PZns9ELwcK7xzF_UaAnRi5ZG9z1hvZ5jnTF4/s1600/Screenshot_2017-05-01-08-49-31_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlEOcHUkz5taYM2xD2BP3UtRI7mJ4CHsmxUWE4Aiv3hLxg0A7LWlWb5foih9OrfzVTqRREnSYYYLlhurrppgka2bQMoFfFUrlLYtbld2PZns9ELwcK7xzF_UaAnRi5ZG9z1hvZ5jnTF4/s320/Screenshot_2017-05-01-08-49-31_1.jpg" width="253" /></a>Across this site you can read about the effects of toxic coal tar sealers on people, the environment and economy. But rarely do we have a visual of this impact.<br />
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So check out this image I came across in Pinterest. It originates from a website that is sort of a how-to for Halloween yard decorating.<br />
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How did they make the figures? The coated them in driveway sealer of course! Below you can check on the video on YouTube.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-20091821380886512792017-05-01T01:43:00.000-05:002017-05-02T23:35:55.187-05:00"Trifecta of Doom" from Coal Tar Sealers + Industrial-grade Child Exposure<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The State of Maine is taking another run at a coal tar sealer ban (<a href="http://legislature.maine.gov/bills/display_ps.asp?PID=1456&snum=128&paper=HP0858" target="_blank">LD1235</a>). The first was in 2013 and then in 2015. There have been several stories on this site covering those efforts (here's a <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/search?q=maine" target="_blank">link to several</a>). </div>
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To be honest there's an odd bit of nostalgia for me like remembering when you've battled hard with a unique assemblage of stakeholders in the past and come up short. Most of us know that feeling. Some of the players have changed and some are the same.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFdzj64CLfwtdnlFV0NyuID1YSiG2aEKYEcLbEENn59M1W7vHPGnc_qHTsF7tZoJlkJ3rcwJKILQciIv-siBu9IrCnxbO81bOpXWknZGK17PP7YDyW0OA1hQ_3w5cXT61IcJyTEWkjDE/s1600/coalbreakerboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFdzj64CLfwtdnlFV0NyuID1YSiG2aEKYEcLbEENn59M1W7vHPGnc_qHTsF7tZoJlkJ3rcwJKILQciIv-siBu9IrCnxbO81bOpXWknZGK17PP7YDyW0OA1hQ_3w5cXT61IcJyTEWkjDE/s320/coalbreakerboys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The sponsor, Representative Mattie Daughtry, has been the lead sponsor for the two previous efforts as well as this one. She may be young and not a scientist by training, but don't underestimate her. Her father is a broad-thinking stormwater engineer with plenty of experience.</div>
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Last Thursday she said in her introduction of the bill to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee that coal tar sealers were a "trifecta of doom" as she described the multiple pathways of exposure to this product. </div>
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<b>New Sampling Data</b></div>
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A consultant for a consortium of 5 Maine communities (Southern Maine Stormwater Working Group) presented her analysis of recent parking lot sampling in and around Maine's capitol, Augusta. The sampling was done by the US Geological Survey in 2016.</div>
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The samples were taken at a municipal parking lot, a bank, strip mall, anchor mall, and a small office building. Here's what they found: </div>
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<ul>
<li>27 out of 33 sampling locations exceeded the residential standard for the most toxic of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)</li>
<li>5 out of 33 exceeded industrial levels (more than 150 times higher than residential standards for BaP)</li>
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Where and how the samples were taken led the consultant to reach this conclusion:</div>
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<i>"Based on our review of the data, we believe there is a <b><span style="font-size: large;">direct and significant correlation </span></b>between coal tar seal coat application and high PAHs in the parking lot dust."</i></div>
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<b>Industrial-grade Child Exposure</b></div>
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Years ago we as a nation decided that kids should be spared the hazards of the workplace and have an opportunity for an education. But the preceding analysis shows that the use of coal tar sealers foolishly invites industrial-grade chemical exposure to homes, schools and playgrounds.</div>
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<b>Maine Environmental Regulators Worthy of "Excoriating"...Again</b></div>
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Michael Kuhns of the Maine DEP once again waved the banner of ignorance and may still be the only state environmental regulator to oppose a ban of coal tar sealers.</div>
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The core of his support for this position is that he believes current regulations are good enough and if conditions warrant then they will take action. He is implying, I believe, that if a water or stream sediment condition reaches an action threshold then they will act. It incorrectly assumes that this is where the worst condition lies--in the stream. </div>
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Let me put it plainly for them: the greatest environmental threat is on and adjacent to each and every parking surface where coal tar sealers are used. Don't go looking downstream. If you're on a coal tar sealed surface, then you're standing on the place of greatest exposure. Any child on those surfaces will unacceptably get an industrial-grade dose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_03tgTsIN5mdegauhTDqDxkFAOwu8Ih464wsTXQa7pKzl7RfXklyI9wvBaFLVhgBLsKw3y77WUeJbi0216CsAFsSSs66_Mhjx_oVxgYNY4Jzgu2vZIB8RWgmu1f20LOmqR2aZM5_INo/s1600/good-monk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_03tgTsIN5mdegauhTDqDxkFAOwu8Ih464wsTXQa7pKzl7RfXklyI9wvBaFLVhgBLsKw3y77WUeJbi0216CsAFsSSs66_Mhjx_oVxgYNY4Jzgu2vZIB8RWgmu1f20LOmqR2aZM5_INo/s320/good-monk.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
How will this bill fair in 2017? Will there be real deliverance from industrial pollution or more feigning concern from regulators and decision-makers?<br />
<br />
Stay tuned.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The photographs here are public domain and no credit is required. The picture of the "breaker boys" is from an iconic photographer who chronicled child labor named Lewis Wickes Hines.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-69835941905060635922017-04-21T15:15:00.000-05:002017-04-21T15:15:09.522-05:00"No Conceivable Rationale" for Coal Tar Use, Former Insider Says<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFeW4XgyQLJNfJeENmjZ5amotZgwHieoEiRjXpmgzHDhKJPmHDnz84VM9M9fjfMeylYdlD89ekzP1B8Jx4zWNeD0BQR9-6dZeDxdX3N4H-ElBcGXySggCK-NNSkO_jbWOXPek7y1Q4n4/s1600/NAPA+quote+in+WP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFeW4XgyQLJNfJeENmjZ5amotZgwHieoEiRjXpmgzHDhKJPmHDnz84VM9M9fjfMeylYdlD89ekzP1B8Jx4zWNeD0BQR9-6dZeDxdX3N4H-ElBcGXySggCK-NNSkO_jbWOXPek7y1Q4n4/s640/NAPA+quote+in+WP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This was just too good to leave on Twitter alone.<br />
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<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-danger-of-putting-corporations-before-the-epa/2017/04/20/17129590-252f-11e7-928e-3624539060e8_story.html?utm_term=.f66df34a3bb2#comments" target="_blank">https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-danger-of-putting-corporations-before-the-epa/2017/04/20/17129590-252f-11e7-928e-3624539060e8_story.html?utm_term=.f66df34a3bb2#comments</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-16729272436942184962017-04-17T08:31:00.000-05:002017-04-20T07:20:44.865-05:00Calling BS on Laughable, Dirty Coal Tar Industry...and the Washington Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfZgrai72sU135xvP6Q1Dz0REtRvGqroiTvBu-uAkk9N69dB7334pT8oEVAjstBWO77C3Ok83MNLXbeLa3UrqfbE4kPivAivwJ-1z066bhl6Qrob4Vu4sk0dQ-lX-2Rv04C0iNFrYgB0/s1600/bullcall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfZgrai72sU135xvP6Q1Dz0REtRvGqroiTvBu-uAkk9N69dB7334pT8oEVAjstBWO77C3Ok83MNLXbeLa3UrqfbE4kPivAivwJ-1z066bhl6Qrob4Vu4sk0dQ-lX-2Rv04C0iNFrYgB0/s320/bullcall.JPG" width="320" /></a>Yesterday the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/epa-emerges-as-major-target-after-trump-solicits-policy-advice-from-industry/2017/04/16/87a8a55a-205d-11e7-ad74-3a742a6e93a7_story.html?tid=ss_tw-bottom&utm_term=.eb992e91aa8a" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> published an article reviewing the details of US manufacturers' complaints to the Trump Administration about regulatory burdens which hamper business. Over 150 responded.<br />
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Amazingly the reporter highlighted a letter from the <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOC-2017-0001-0044" target="_blank">Pavement Coatings Technology Council</a> and said it was among the "notable." What was the criterion that reporter used to determine "notable?"<br />
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"Notable" implies someone has looked at the evidence and found something of note. Did the reporter do this? I doubt it. If they had, then here's what they would have found:<br />
<ul>
<li>no industry studies done in the last 20 years showing the safety of their product. They complain that they need more info from the USGS in order to replicate their work. But anyone with high school chemistry knowledge could test and report the chemical levels and mutagenicity of the coal tar sealers. Has this been done? No.</li>
<li>perhaps the reporter would have found <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2017/03/why-coal-tar-sealers-fail-to-meet.html" target="_blank">my recent article</a> which cites how these coal tar products fail to meet basic consumer protection standards in the areas of health, environment, economy, social justice, and transparency.</li>
<li>research has been done by a wide variety of local, university, state, and federal agencies, not just the vilified USGS (see below hyperlinked document). Environmental damage has been found by coal tar sealers even at the DNA level. Just click on any agency below to go to their research.</li>
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<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/282979737/Hyperlinked-Coal-Tar-Sealer-Research-2015#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Hyperlinked Coal Tar Sealer Research 2015 on Scribd">Hyperlinked Coal Tar Sealer Research 2015</a> by <a href="https://www.scribd.com/user/58615645/Tom-Ennis#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Tom Ennis's profile on Scribd">Tom Ennis</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="1.3323485967503692" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_75783" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/282979737/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-IS8pc4Omc4hL7FfdeMXA&show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOaZXa8EsMVQvdZGBa-pOKiNI_o1av8JObBNShazCJh8nAFGNClCBhHZSUUfHbutS5z3qGm5JikNOHhnowI_aASjb5FxTohiflAfuDLe-ViJjtrSqwDv-SpWXFPvOhwH2Sc7F0XmkQBk/s1600/PCTC+Cartoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOaZXa8EsMVQvdZGBa-pOKiNI_o1av8JObBNShazCJh8nAFGNClCBhHZSUUfHbutS5z3qGm5JikNOHhnowI_aASjb5FxTohiflAfuDLe-ViJjtrSqwDv-SpWXFPvOhwH2Sc7F0XmkQBk/s400/PCTC+Cartoon.JPG" width="360" /></a>
<li>this is the wild west of the chemical industry where manufacturers put whatever in their products and call it green, natural or environmentally superior. </li>
<li>this product family represents one of the prolific and potent sources of known human carcinogens brought to American's homes. It brings 3 pounds of carcinogens to American homes every couple of years.</li>
</ul>
That word, "notable" gives credibility where none is due.<br />
<br />
I will say that if this complaint truly among the notable in our nation, then we have achieved a very fair system of regulations.<br />
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Let's hope that the Washington Post will take this opportunity to dig a little deeper into the industries they highlight.<br />
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Yes, the use of this toxic product throughout our nation is notable. Asking for regulatory relief from sound science is not notable, but laughable.<br />
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<div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;">
<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/345348735/PCTC-Comments-to-Dept-Commerce-30March2017-Signed#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View PCTC Comments to Dept Commerce 30March2017-Signed on Scribd">PCTC Comments to Dept Commerce 30March2017-Signed</a> by <a href="https://www.scribd.com/user/58615645/Tom-Ennis#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Tom Ennis's profile on Scribd">Tom Ennis</a> on Scribd</div>
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_94989" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/345348735/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-xXxZqPDoOK4XtVNqZC1m&show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-60636732662269079592017-04-13T07:53:00.001-05:002017-06-26T09:36:50.584-05:002017 Coal Tar vs. Asphalt Sealer Price Comparison: Coal Tar Unappealing; Asphalt Prices Flat <div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZVEdhed2_O5Huoug3BEZ-36OkWICIqDCXzNKu_B9A0pRpvs7JLaPlw889lRGJKcY2qhO0ucribLmCGaRVs1-kn9yCYI-Hg-Co8l8OZqj5PrAjBHLtjihSEhlYGTOpBwfoZL03LCclsk/s1600/road-470798_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZVEdhed2_O5Huoug3BEZ-36OkWICIqDCXzNKu_B9A0pRpvs7JLaPlw889lRGJKcY2qhO0ucribLmCGaRVs1-kn9yCYI-Hg-Co8l8OZqj5PrAjBHLtjihSEhlYGTOpBwfoZL03LCclsk/s320/road-470798_1280.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It's time for our annual survey of the retail prices for coal tar and asphalt based sealers. <div>
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Here's the heart of what we know: </div>
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1. The average of 14 different retail asphalt sealers is unchanged since last year</div>
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2. The overall use of coal tar sealers is in decline so much so that some believe that it is no longer the largest selling sealer in the US.</div>
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3. The overall market for sealers is strong and expected to increase through 2024. </div>
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<b>Last of the Major Retail Products</b></div>
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From online sources it appears that True Value is the last major US retailer to sell a coal tar-based driveway sealer. Quite a change from the mid-1990's when a researcher bought a dozen different 5 gallon buckets of driveway sealer. His testing found 11 of 12 contained coal tar. You can read this article from 2011, which is one of the most popular on this site at <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2011/01/just-how-toxic-is-coal-tar-sealant.html" target="_blank">Just How Toxic are Coal Tar Sealers?</a>.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The product True Value sells is made by Sakrete, who makes both asphalt-based and coal tar based products. Here's a screenshot from the True Value website. Behold the dinosaur on the brink of extinction! </div>
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We aren't that far from that welcomed day when the end of its retail availability is over. How about it True Value? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_l6m5Sdn2qfZq3rHfSXyyIS2pqazCHU2_TujXNj-X1zooaBFyFxWRInjMrKF6kEQCdiotq5ecghIIxzU7ku0646LyByUJ3Xq2FLTE1EQxatprF9A5OF-FZzCyV4esCugqRUdUXlFgQk/s1600/True+Value.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_l6m5Sdn2qfZq3rHfSXyyIS2pqazCHU2_TujXNj-X1zooaBFyFxWRInjMrKF6kEQCdiotq5ecghIIxzU7ku0646LyByUJ3Xq2FLTE1EQxatprF9A5OF-FZzCyV4esCugqRUdUXlFgQk/s400/True+Value.JPG" width="400" /></a>I say this optimistically of course. Any retailer can go back to selling coal tar sealers in most of the US until it is banned nationwide. Let's just hope, for now, they've figured out the liability isn't worth the cost of selling it, as Lowes has.</div>
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<b>Canadian Retail Coal Tar Seller</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yzWKQTjzgz_JZPn40d22uQNLnq4Y_9IKeJNYw1239p5NdFmWCmqr2Hfzn4F2JGoOgG7fJnRc1Dkmw86UtQ5sBSgh3qSeHaXJkWdKg1n_2IvU-ZpnlZfqXNVQjI835aSox29v-kBULBM/s1600/resisto_resistoseal_driveway_sealer_1_year-370x370.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yzWKQTjzgz_JZPn40d22uQNLnq4Y_9IKeJNYw1239p5NdFmWCmqr2Hfzn4F2JGoOgG7fJnRc1Dkmw86UtQ5sBSgh3qSeHaXJkWdKg1n_2IvU-ZpnlZfqXNVQjI835aSox29v-kBULBM/s200/resisto_resistoseal_driveway_sealer_1_year-370x370.png" width="200" /></a>We have long celebrated the decisions that Lowes and Home Depot made about a decade ago to stop selling coal tar sealers. But Lowes just bought a major Canadian home improvement chain, <a href="https://www.rona.ca/en/sealer---protective-driveway-sealer" target="_blank">RONA</a>, which continues (as of this writing) to sell coal tar sealers. Preliminary conversations with Lowes are continuing.</div>
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<b>Prospects are Good for Sealer Industry in the US Even Without Coal Tar</b><br /><br />A market research company recently confirmed what one CEO of a sealer company said a few years ago: bans really won’t hurt the sealcoat business.<br /><br />In the projected period through 2024, the industry is expected to experience “moderate growth” but “rising bans on coal tar-based sealers, the improved performance of asphalt-based sealers, and competitive pricing are expected to result in the increased consumption of bitumen and asphalt sealers…”<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" /><a href="http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;">http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html</a></div>
<b><br />Which Lasts Longer?</b><br /><br />Frequently people ask which product lasts longest or is better. Generally speaking, these products, no matter which primary ingredient it contains, become more expensive with the addition of polymers and fortifiers that make the product perform better. In other words, which would you think would last longer a coal tar sealant at $113 per 5 gallon bucket or one that costs just $13? <br /><br />This is illustrated with the price versus warranty graph using the retail "Black Jack" line of asphalt-based driveway sealer. A product that just has a 2 year warranty is about half the amount of one that has a 10 year warranty. Which is "better?" It would depend on what you can afford. Longevity of the products are a function of the quality of the ingredients and the quality of the installation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffgvbhSh4oo9TNF0Bu_tpkAZO9tQy5hTA-IDPaIuZVP0eF5aOlPcfERBjK1US9KGhn8_QLIjeKysCt1555LlCErGt3Fqq2BcVivWVWFX4K8XP7QC9mNwoqO6xrEPcdf7fDktGJddzxIE/s1600/2017prices.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffgvbhSh4oo9TNF0Bu_tpkAZO9tQy5hTA-IDPaIuZVP0eF5aOlPcfERBjK1US9KGhn8_QLIjeKysCt1555LlCErGt3Fqq2BcVivWVWFX4K8XP7QC9mNwoqO6xrEPcdf7fDktGJddzxIE/s640/2017prices.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-63553119220593161212017-04-03T07:53:00.001-05:002017-04-03T07:53:31.532-05:00Chicagoland Scientist Says Coal Tar Sealer Ban is an Uncomplicated Taxpayer Issue<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<i>The following is the testimony that Deanna Doohaluk, MPH of the Conservation Foundation gave in support of the ban of coal tar sealers in Illinois. When it comes to summarizing the watershed/taxpayer nexus with clarity, she threw nothing but strikes! It is included here with the permission of the Conservation Foundation.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>At time of publishing, this bill has moved out of committee and needs your support. If you're from Illinois, let your representative know your support of HB2958.</i></div>
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My name is Deanna Doohaluk and I am the Watershed Project Manager with the Conservation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Foundation and staff to the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup. The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is a consortium of wastewater agencies and storm water entities that is exploring and implementing cost-effective measures to improve water quality. Since 2006, we have been conducting surveys of water and sediment quality in DuPage County with the idea of bringing science into the decision making process on how to expend public dollars to meet the State’s goals for our waters. Through this effort, we have sampled sediment at 42 locations initiated with the idea of looking at metal and pesticide concentrations in our streams. However, instead those chemicals, we found highly elevated concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, more commonly referred to as PAHs. <br /><br />PAHs are a large group of organic compounds found naturally in coal and petroleum products. They <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4O5TCeCAw7AMxQ9Hbb8_5JR5NkJ3yfqC-IjtBnbq464Nho99f7gZEspKnhqpKVfEMgdF6IaQx4rbhQ35jIKeE1ZUZXzwNMv1MWi4EEF8A2juTAovarNHDo7f0T5TdJJWQGGjm0Pg53Y/s1600/Deanna1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4O5TCeCAw7AMxQ9Hbb8_5JR5NkJ3yfqC-IjtBnbq464Nho99f7gZEspKnhqpKVfEMgdF6IaQx4rbhQ35jIKeE1ZUZXzwNMv1MWi4EEF8A2juTAovarNHDo7f0T5TdJJWQGGjm0Pg53Y/s320/Deanna1.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSrT2ibuoO-i_YiDxprwtBvIG44kWkntpIhaGW4hIjDxLAewNrIW22B9Dd-_y1V3QgiskxhK39ML8B26S2NzrTJECf5nqYXv9LPrqtISnIpma8WBpalNI45No9QmX3F6Cpe69VqDZJ0c/s1600/Deanna2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSrT2ibuoO-i_YiDxprwtBvIG44kWkntpIhaGW4hIjDxLAewNrIW22B9Dd-_y1V3QgiskxhK39ML8B26S2NzrTJECf5nqYXv9LPrqtISnIpma8WBpalNI45No9QmX3F6Cpe69VqDZJ0c/s320/Deanna2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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are formed by the incomplete combustion of organic matter from fossil fuels, wood, and cigarettes. As there are many sources of PAHs in the environment such as motor oil, automobile exhaust, and asphalt, it is not uncommon to find these chemical in our stream sediments. What was shocking was the level of PAHs we found. Twenty-seven of these sites had 1 or more PAHs above the “Probable Effects Concentration”. The probable effect concentration (PEC) is the level which adverse effects to aquatic life are expected to frequently occur. All sites had one or more PAHs above the above the “Threshold Effect Concentration” (TEC). The TEC is the level which adverse effects to aquatic life are likely to occur. The PECs and TECs were determine from a review of dozens of individual studies that then utilized a consensus-based approach to set the limits. I just want to reiterate, we did not set out looking for PAHs but due to the levels observed, we could not ignore them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />PAHs have documented effects on aquatic life. Fish exposed to high levels of PAHs exhibit chronic effects including fin erosion, liver abnormalities, tumors and immune system impairments. Benthic macroinvertbrates (or the insects found in streams that serve as the base of the aquatic food chain) that are exposed to PAHs exhibit reproduction impairments and mortality. Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders have also exhibited negative effects including stunted growth and delayed development. PAHs in sediments are one of the primary stressors on aquatic organisms in the urban streams of DuPage County.<br /><br />Considering this, we started looking for potential sources for elevated PAHs in urban stream sediments. A literature review lead us to the research the United States Geological Survey (USGS) conducted in 40 US lakes. This study linked coal tar sealants to elevated PAH levels in stream sediment in urban areas. Since that the publication of that study in 2010, numerous other studies from Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin and Utah have confirmed the link between coal tar sealants and elevated PAH levels in the sediment of urban areas. In fact, a recent study found that 77% of PAH pollution in Milwaukee streambeds came from coal tar-based sealants.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7_odbhY9zlYDfmhqJXSk043-6UJRN9esWl6K6XqtW1KQy0t38e08JBuqXOiE1Hqtvx-jRuhtTUwtfYeFYVZf_fXGSGnpJn8rkj60LdGmnpEQAZmqglbc-V-HFwan0YlPdIrRwXTnkPM/s1600/Deanna3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7_odbhY9zlYDfmhqJXSk043-6UJRN9esWl6K6XqtW1KQy0t38e08JBuqXOiE1Hqtvx-jRuhtTUwtfYeFYVZf_fXGSGnpJn8rkj60LdGmnpEQAZmqglbc-V-HFwan0YlPdIrRwXTnkPM/s320/Deanna3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />There may be a spectrum of concerns among those in attendance here today on the negative effects that PAHs have on fish and insects but that is only part of the story. The State of Illinois has laws in place that require the fish and insects in our streams to meet certain threshold criteria to be considered “healthy”. If the streams fail to meet these thresholds, it is up to the local governments and holders of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by the State of Illinois to improve the quality of the waterways until these thresholds are meet. In our waterways, it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to build the infrastructure needed to capture the PAHs in our storm water runoff at the source prior to them entering our waterways. This is on top of the hundreds of the millions of dollars already being spent annually to meet these water quality goals. The most cost effective way to control PAHs in our waterways would be to ban the use of sealant products with high-PAH levels and utilize a substitute product such as acrylic or asphalt based sealants. <br /><br />The high costs associated with the removal of high PAH sediments from the environment have already been documented. Due to high PAH levels, soils dredged from storm water management facilities such as detention basins and roadside swales need to be disposed as hazardous and/or special waste to comply with State of Illinois regulations. The disposal cost for hazardous and special <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVaplZ7FVJQ8Mm6tMSOIPKltVyopoAFxnlaM80Xtj4veKnT1QRgWOzabqoYKezqnd9GIR2kDSL_Ko3wn261pCwiqjHqOqUkYBaxuuc_ATnC6dIw_9gas7JzqCnr56beQQMTf_eHFvyy8/s1600/Deanna5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVaplZ7FVJQ8Mm6tMSOIPKltVyopoAFxnlaM80Xtj4veKnT1QRgWOzabqoYKezqnd9GIR2kDSL_Ko3wn261pCwiqjHqOqUkYBaxuuc_ATnC6dIw_9gas7JzqCnr56beQQMTf_eHFvyy8/s320/Deanna5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
wastes is orders of magnitude higher than the disposal cost of uncontaminated sediments. For example, a study in Minnesota estimates that the costs will exceed over 1 billion dollars to remove high PAH sediments from just 10% of the estimated 20,000 municipal storm water ponds in the Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan area where cleanup in needed. I do not believe it is fair to transfer the cost of the use of high PAH sealants to the taxpayer. And that is exactly what is happening. The taxpayer will be the one left holding the bill when high PAH sediments need to be removed from our detention basins, lakes and streams. While the ban on high PAH sealants is certainly an environmental issue, it is also a taxpayer issue. <br /><br />We do not need to make this more complicated that it is. We cover driveways, parking lots and playgrounds with these high PAHs sealants knowing that the PAHs will erode and enter our streams and sediments. We do this knowing there are alternative products such as acrylic and asphalt based sealants that have a comparative cost and life span. A ban on coal tar and other high PAH sealants makes sense not just for the environment but also for the taxpayers of Illinois. <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.85pt; margin-left: -.25pt; margin-right: -.65pt; margin-top: 0in;">
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Deanna Doohaluk<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Conservation Foundation/DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup<o:p></o:p></div>
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10S404 Knock Knolls Road<o:p></o:p></div>
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Naperville, Illinois 60565<o:p></o:p></div>
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Testimony of The Conservation Foundation/DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup<o:p></o:p></div>
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IN SUPPORT OF HB2958-HCA 1, EPA-COAL TAR BAN<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before the House Consumer Protection Committee<o:p></o:p></div>
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March 14, 2017</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-55194743662840703552017-03-28T08:19:00.000-05:002017-03-28T08:19:21.130-05:00An Open Letter In Search of Some Political Courage<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEWkVB5gkxNCc7H4Hz1iRZbjFwuLvjCxcDa9ioeSeN2594D_k4iyHF9r-_Bl6S7W9Ty0c8fv5z9Ccp9gkCr1mMJlw6x31aM74JNRnPwuEr1cmQg6msxSdLDWc2JqyvUbR4FNY7qeTIhY/s1600/sunset-50494_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEWkVB5gkxNCc7H4Hz1iRZbjFwuLvjCxcDa9ioeSeN2594D_k4iyHF9r-_Bl6S7W9Ty0c8fv5z9Ccp9gkCr1mMJlw6x31aM74JNRnPwuEr1cmQg6msxSdLDWc2JqyvUbR4FNY7qeTIhY/s320/sunset-50494_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I </span></i><i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">recently </span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">wrote this letter to an elected official who had shown some interest in the sealer issue. Often our politics are so polarizing that politicians are unwilling to go outside of the herd of familiar slogans and mantras. Usually that means Republicans, but sometimes Democrats do the very same thing.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please don't take this note the wrong way. The political courage expressed by so many around the country has been invaluable in reducing our exposure to this toxic mess! </span></i></div>
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Dear Representative,<br /><br />First of all, thank you for your service, both as a representative and a veteran. It is appreciated!<br /><br />The problem with coal tar sealers is that it doesn't fit the familiar narratives like:<br /><br />"We have too many regulations"<br /><br />or <br /><br />"Environmental regs are job killers"<div>
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Are you willing to believe that a real environmental issue is unregulated and will NOT harm jobs if banned?<br /><br />Are you willing to believe that the EPA has overlooked this for more than 20 years?<br /><br />Are you willing to stand up against those familiar ideologies and do some good for your state and your community?<br /><br />If you can't accept these things, then you can stop reading right now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUnjoqYqAn2h236b556WXVBhBq7DH2Gt6Bxf7fTk3KqfoK_UJboVHZ2bPNcXwSLo50FWVPFDI1weeiB2CKAMQbuQ2arXNJF3pNOUJXgUcZRP-WXGbFb-kHGkW85w25awHVKGedn12IzI/s1600/stop-1077973_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUnjoqYqAn2h236b556WXVBhBq7DH2Gt6Bxf7fTk3KqfoK_UJboVHZ2bPNcXwSLo50FWVPFDI1weeiB2CKAMQbuQ2arXNJF3pNOUJXgUcZRP-WXGbFb-kHGkW85w25awHVKGedn12IzI/s320/stop-1077973_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />If you can, then perhaps start with this infographic I put together.<div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.scribd.com/doc/114980146&source=gmail&ust=1490790848389000&usg=AFQjCNENHnIzFntICy2mN1NyEbteAmrOuA" href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/114980146" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://www.scribd.com/doc/<wbr></wbr>114980146</a><a href="https://www.scribd.com/doc/114980146"></a><br /><br />If you're still intrigued, then check out this 6 pager by the USGS.<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/fs20163017&source=gmail&ust=1490790848389000&usg=AFQjCNGkfVqzHAKxlSHB8Zx5tSGtVZBA_A" href="https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/fs20163017" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/<wbr></wbr>publication/fs20163017</a><br /><br />And then if you want to read about coal tar sealers from a business perspective, then check this out:</div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2017/02/top-5-business-reasons-to-stop-use-of.html&source=gmail&ust=1490790848389000&usg=AFQjCNHnXbU588BySunnjAeMDq9QPo50Iw" href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2017/02/top-5-business-reasons-to-stop-use-of.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://coaltarfreeamerica.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/2017/02/top-5-<wbr></wbr>business-reasons-to-stop-use-<wbr></wbr>of.html</a></div>
<br />Most politicians (of both parties) fear the backlash of constituents, but the true leaders are fully convinced and stand up in spite of those possibilities.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQXm74i4YH9q-0UdcyKkRLT0W0Ndg3ZeXHEWDqv7P62-caqhS-TCTWUKWkb0Q75fOTLZ8kQoahwgvByGklLXQ7GaFmbexeE54h8ltvjomGVQvTkzKoBRzgyRR410qTzy6b00rhhywYmM/s1600/sheep-17482_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQXm74i4YH9q-0UdcyKkRLT0W0Ndg3ZeXHEWDqv7P62-caqhS-TCTWUKWkb0Q75fOTLZ8kQoahwgvByGklLXQ7GaFmbexeE54h8ltvjomGVQvTkzKoBRzgyRR410qTzy6b00rhhywYmM/s320/sheep-17482_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />I hope you are one of those sir.<br /><br />Tom<br /><br /><br /><br />Thomas E. Ennis, PE, LEED AP<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://youtu.be/DKr3ci-IWeo?list%3DPL092256775CBEBD8E&source=gmail&ust=1490790848389000&usg=AFQjCNFSeunemToZjCiwVLOJmxmYgdwFvA" href="http://youtu.be/DKr3ci-IWeo?list=PL092256775CBEBD8E" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Jj7wOurkvSo</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-76565144169136558482017-03-11T16:29:00.000-06:002017-03-13T10:09:34.495-05:00Why Coal Tar Sealers Fail to Meet Consumer Protection Standards<h3>
Illinois Coal Tar Ban to be Heard by House Consumer Protection Committee</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1-8pBTXMNlzGsa8V9k8JApR4gm0IE-aHPe1dQyKo129JmlCLhKN6UNXSjPpoNFjbVJ7awk8Z1cP79oOyh3LWfi-nPzDyAzl-1qLB4kjaYtxdPlkewFkZZnbp8JDYR9mqfJp11dWr4cI/s1600/justice-2060093_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1-8pBTXMNlzGsa8V9k8JApR4gm0IE-aHPe1dQyKo129JmlCLhKN6UNXSjPpoNFjbVJ7awk8Z1cP79oOyh3LWfi-nPzDyAzl-1qLB4kjaYtxdPlkewFkZZnbp8JDYR9mqfJp11dWr4cI/s320/justice-2060093_1280.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #660000;"></span><br />
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***ALERT*********************** </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">If you want to support this legislation (HB2958) then do the following before Tuesday 3/14/2017:</span></div>
<span style="color: #660000;">Please help protect our health and environment and pass the bill this time by filling out a witness slip and signing on as a proponent of the bill. On Part IV TESTIMONY: please select "Record of Appearance Only". <a href="http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/104477?committeeHearingId=14393&LegislationId=104477&HCommittees3%2F16%2F2017-page=1&committeeid=0&chamber=H&nodays=7&_=1489114113435">Click here to file a witness slip</a> Please note if you filed a witness slip last week, you need to do it again as last week's has expired.</span><br />
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There are five fundamental areas where coal tar sealers fail to meet reasonable consumer protection standards. They are:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Health</b></li>
<li><b>Environment</b></li>
<li><b>Social Justice</b></li>
<li><b>Economy</b></li>
<li><b>Transparency</b></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Health</span></b><br />
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Coal tar sealers contain known human carcinogens. First of all, understand that <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">coal tar is a known human carcinogen</span></b> made of some known human carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) according to the<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/coaltars.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1489334319936000&usg=AFQjCNHPrOwQYNmN6NBuW9cHGHFem0exTA" href="http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/coaltars.pdf" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">National Institutes of Health</span></a>. <br />
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These facts have led the <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/ama-urges-legislation-ban-dangerous-coal-tar-sealcoats" target="_blank">American Medical Association (AMA)</a>, the <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/146943547/Chicago-Department-of-Public-Health-Testimony-of-Dr-Cortland-Lohff-in-Support-of-Action-Against-Coal-Tar-Sealants" target="_blank">Director of the Chicago Department of Public Health</a> and the Illinois Physicians for Social Responsibility to call for the end of the use of this product.<br />
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To answer the question of "badness," there are several ways to look at it. Typically we just look at cancer, but coal tar is a known also to cause birth defects, to be immediately toxic, cause genetic mutations, trigger asthma and cause heart disease. But let's look at cancer because that is a language that most of us are familiar with.<br />
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<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">risk of cancer from living with a smoker: about<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7729384&source=gmail&ust=1489334319936000&usg=AFQjCNG2_56e8LMGUWGVIEoF5v54CFcbvQ" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7729384" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">1:10,000</a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">risk of cancer for a child living near a coal tar sealed parking lot: about<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es303371t&source=gmail&ust=1489334319936000&usg=AFQjCNEolA_mUM7sXtIdKP5bXBlXsfyN2Q" href="http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es303371t" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">1:10,000</a></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">risk of cancer from coal tar shampoo: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v130/n4/full/jid2009389a.html&source=gmail&ust=1489334319936000&usg=AFQjCNGLbp_aw6NVXGpBVrOhSn7I2OU8RA" href="http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v130/n4/full/jid2009389a.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Negligible</a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By the way, the <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://books.google.com/books?id%3DhIelz286mpQC%26lpg%3DPA10%26vq%3Dunacceptable%26pg%3DPA243%26hl%3Den%23v%3Donepage%26q%26f%3Dfalse&source=gmail&ust=1489334319936000&usg=AFQjCNGOzRcwvFnLH7FmOljBWPFhkPtnrg" href="https://books.google.com/books?id=hIelz286mpQC&lpg=PA10&vq=unacceptable&pg=PA243&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Federal Regulations</a> </span>state:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><img alt="Inline image 1" class="CToWUd" height="124" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ui=2&ik=4bbc6f86e2&view=fimg&th=150e55ebfca7aea7&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_150e5491dc47001e&attbid=ANGjdJ-YUzWFhi-49Sd7cmISN1M9zmU398imnro114n4vWEga5rOWY-MGjFb285QnnE4PdFO04kFLrOqffT6ZQXqxZnzisz5hgKbGxE3JTodMxdKuy1j4OSuqVimH3A&sz=w1084-h248&ats=1489247919931&rm=150e55ebfca7aea7&zw&atsh=1" width="542" /></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjH0jNuF1Cw8J6d6ro8JPedO4jBv3EN_7u-DEuFHMNbkGxnnLK8j18ZyhXy9lc35bgWTMoYhtCpeRmEPfRdKhVmJ45SFjg_Xne-G1eBgtihmNIEHEEFqwSY-pW6GqOa9wRumnYu4ZabJw/s1600/worry-about-hog-705177_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjH0jNuF1Cw8J6d6ro8JPedO4jBv3EN_7u-DEuFHMNbkGxnnLK8j18ZyhXy9lc35bgWTMoYhtCpeRmEPfRdKhVmJ45SFjg_Xne-G1eBgtihmNIEHEEFqwSY-pW6GqOa9wRumnYu4ZabJw/s1600/worry-about-hog-705177_1280.jpg" /></a>Coal tar sealers are the most potent, commonplace and mobile of these carcinogens in modern American life. The chemicals in abundance in coal tar sealers are PAH's.<br />
<br />
Some may claim that new standards reduce that risk but research just published last year used proposed values and found the toxicity actually increasing when the full gamut of PAH's is considered.<br />
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A tangible example can be seen by comparing the fairly-new PAH standard for plush or stuffed toys in Europe to that of coal tar sealer.<br />
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<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", serif, sans-serif; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
EU Standard for PAH in Toys: 0.5 ppm</h2>
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Average PAH Content in Coal Tar Sealer: 70,000 ppm!!</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Environment</b></span><br />
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Evidence, created by a branch of the USGS, but not the researchers doing coal tar sealant work, shows PAH contamination in Chicagoland suburban streams are in the top 5% of contaminated streams in the entire US! That is after comparing over 1,200 streams nationwide. These levels weren't found in an old industrial area like Lake Calumet; they were in suburban Western Springs and in Salt Creek!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2004/1230/pdf/circular1230.pdf" saprocessedanchor="true" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/<wbr></wbr>2004/1230/pdf/circular1230.pdf</a></span></div>
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Here's what the MWRDGC says should be done with this info:<br />
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<i>“Water quality data and analysis for the Upper Illinois River Basin NAWQA study will be useful in developing Illinois nutrient standards and prioritizing the development of standards for other pollutants.”</i><br />
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Richard Lanyon, Director of Research and Development, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This also is a PRIMARY Illinois River Complex Problem</b></span></div>
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<div original_target="http://www.istc.illinois.edu/info/library_docs/rr/rr-121.pdf" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><b>"The current study, however, suggests that ammonia is no longer the primary contaminant of concern, but rather non-polar organics, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are the primary cause for toxicity in the Illinois River Complex (IRC)."</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.istc.illinois.edu/info/library_docs/rr/rr-121.pdf" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.istc.illinois.edu/<wbr></wbr>info/library_docs/rr/rr-121.<wbr></wbr>pdf</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is a Chicago River problem too</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Based upon the results of the data the following conclusions are made:<br />
<ul>
<li>PAH concentrations, especially in the South Branch of the river are elevated and potentially present an ecological and/or human health threat;</li>
<li>PAHs, oil and grease, dioxins and furans and PCBs are the primary contaminants of concern, with metals a secondary contaminant of concern, identified in the sediments throughout the Chicago River system;</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/sediment/ChgoRvr/index.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/sediment/ChgoRvr/index.html</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Social Justice</span></b><br />
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The nation's largest land owner, the US Department of the Interior, has a different, but accurate take on the problem of coal tar sealant pollution: it can be an injustice to the nation's poor through their cultural or subsistence use of our natural resources.<br />
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The US Department of the Interior (DOI), the parent department overseeing the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation, has control over more than 25% of the United States land area and includes enough roads to circle Earth more than 8 times. They are also the overseer department of the United States Geological Survey, which has done scientific research into this area.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; float: right; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 4px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfUV6LB78xWEu4gzu-5wVBxxV9om85UGDcDU3J3zKNeahSil1raNNtkMDGwhYKkY09mfHAW5gmfGuFeg9BIflNrP8Dqk_nO2BUZnJ0x-P23QcqJKv8A5A1u5Zqz4SKftrmQiFk1lR_5E/s1600/bullhead+catfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #0024ff; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfUV6LB78xWEu4gzu-5wVBxxV9om85UGDcDU3J3zKNeahSil1raNNtkMDGwhYKkY09mfHAW5gmfGuFeg9BIflNrP8Dqk_nO2BUZnJ0x-P23QcqJKv8A5A1u5Zqz4SKftrmQiFk1lR_5E/s640/bullhead+catfish.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); height: auto; max-width: 95%; padding: 4px; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 9.6px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px;">Brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) from Ashumet Pond, Cape Cod, </span></span><br />
<span style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px;">Massachusetts, with body-surface and oral lesions from USGS.</span></span></td></tr>
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In a report released in March 2012 <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">(</span><a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/migrated/pmb/oepc/upload/Final-DOI-EJ-SP-March-27-2012.pdf" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">report link</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">)</span>,</span> the DOI has begun to fulfill a federal requirement to address possible adverse impacts to minority or low-income communities. Their vision statement says the goal is "<i>to provide outstanding management of the natural and cultural resources entrusted to us in a manner that is sustainable, equitable, accessible, and inclusive of all populations."</i><br />
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Coal tar sealant pollution injustice is mentioned as part of Goal #3:<br />
The Department will, on its own or in collaboration with partners, identify and address environmental impacts that may result in disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority, low-income, or tribal populations.<br />
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<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">T</span>he report acknowledges coal tar sealant pollution in urban centers across the US, but specifically mentions the Anacostia River in and around Washington, DC. Here some species, like the bullhead catfish pictured above, have cancer at a rate of 2 out of every 3 fish and therefore are not recommended to eat. Only 8 ounces per month is <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://ddoe.dc.gov/service/fishing-district" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">recommended</a><a href="http://ddoe.dc.gov/service/fishing-district"> </a></span>for large mouth bass! If this was your only affordable protein source, you can see how this negatively affects the poor. <br />
<br />
Illinois streams are no exception. They are among the most polluted by coal tar sealers known in the United States!<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Economy</b><br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", serif, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">If coal tar sealers were an economic necessity, then perhaps we should still use them. But even from an economic or business perspective their use should be eliminated.</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQuDxifYU9pt6-ih0yQynXr7MYt6jqbGlAoH19tTUEjZkBOZseE09r5DhsczMAdnByKMa89jxO80TpQnpB1B617ee_L8S0ZHKyZ9CUKc9OsKe6UPIPrn8Oz0fgvNz7qUc1o0cDJHyzyc/s1600/winner-1575839_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #0024ff; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQuDxifYU9pt6-ih0yQynXr7MYt6jqbGlAoH19tTUEjZkBOZseE09r5DhsczMAdnByKMa89jxO80TpQnpB1B617ee_L8S0ZHKyZ9CUKc9OsKe6UPIPrn8Oz0fgvNz7qUc1o0cDJHyzyc/s320/winner-1575839_1280.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); height: auto; max-width: 95%; padding: 4px; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are 5 reasons why,<br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Lowes and Home Depot Stopped Selling Coal Tar Sealers Based Upon a Business Model</span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
In 2007, I worked with the City of Austin team advising the New York Academy of Sciences on PAH pollution in the NY Harbor. At those meetings, the Chief Sustainability Officer for Lowes, Michael Chennard, said that they stopped selling coal tar sealants after learning about it from Austin, based upon a business model. Here's the Lowes' equation:<br />
<br />
1. Identify products that have a high potential liability. He said their pockets were now deeper than many of their suppliers, so they have more to lose.<br />
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2. Find out if there are suitable alternatives in quality and price.<br />
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3. If both the quality and prices are similar, then remove the problematic product from the shelves<br />
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If it isn't good enough for Lowes and Home Depot, why is it good enough for your community or business? Who would continue to use a product that has a sound replacement and reduces liability?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Regulations are for Bad Actors, Not Good Ones</span></span><br />
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A few years ago it became apparent that a line of Samsonite luggage had high PAHs in the handles of their suitcases. What did they do? Deny it? Deflect the attention away from it? <br />
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No they tested their products and recalled 250,000 units and fixed the problem. No government intervention at all.<br />
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That is not what the coal tar industry has done.<br />
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You can read more about it here:<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/samsonite-recalls-tokyo-chic-suitcases-amid-cancer-fears-over-handles/" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/samsonite-recalls-tokyo-chic-suitcases-amid-cancer-fears-over-handles/</span></a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. The True Costs of Coal Tar Sealers are Less than the Benefits</span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
The State of Minnesota estimated cost for the 3.3 million people in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to clean up after coal tar sealer contamination was over <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">$1 billion! The cost of cleaning it up is many times greater than the value of the installed product in the first place!</b></span> <br />
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Here's another example. The City of Austin was encouraged by the State of Texas to clean up a small drainage swale which had been contaminated by coal tar sealers from a single apartment complex near Barton Springs Pool. The cost, complete with workers in moon suits because of the high PAH concentrations, was about $500,000! This was for a single parking lot drainage.<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This does not include the cost of undesirable health outcomes (cancer, decreased fertility, poor birth weight and IQ caused by the chemicals which are in potent quantities in coal tar sealers). </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">A</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </b><a href="http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/coal-tar-sealants-cancer" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Baylor toxicologist</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span>aid cancers from coal tar sealers likely affects a large number of Americans and they don't even know it.</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Let's talk about the cost of cancer. According to the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.drugwatch.com/2015/10/07/cost-of-cancer/" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">American Institute of Cancer Research</a></span>, the nationwide cost of cancer is $900 billion dollars. The proportional cost, based solely on population, to a city like San Antonio would be $4.5 billion.<br />
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Wouldn't business leaders want to reduce overall health and community costs?<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Paving Experts Recommend Against Using Coal Tar Sealers</span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">The liabilities of using coal tar sealers on commercial parking lots are so great that a guidance manual for commercial properties issued this warning in their hardback book, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zSwpSlSMfEMC&lpg=PR14&vq=PAH&num=19&authuser=0&pg=PR14#v=onepage&q&f=false" style="color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Guide to Pavement Maintenance</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">:</span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" nuan_newframe="true" scrolling="no" src="https://books.google.com/books?id=zSwpSlSMfEMC&lpg=PR14&vq=PAH&num=19&authuser=0&pg=PR14&output=embed" style="background-color: white; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; max-height: 450px; max-width: 100%;" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">It also isn't recommended for the longevity of an asphalt surface by the main proponents of asphalt paving, </span><a href="http://www.asphaltinstitute.org/asphalt-maintenance-and-rehabilitation-faqs/" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Asphalt Institute</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">. It has been </span><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=LPvRBQAAQBAJ&lpg=PA570&dq=thermal%20expansion%20coal%20tar%20seal%20airport&pg=PA570#v=onepage&q=thermal%20expansion%20coal%20tar%20seal%20airport&f=false" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">found</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> to actually degrade asphalt by allowing moisture to build up between the two materials.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hVSKKhFly1KysqaNScdx3N_J5rZvfUGDKbjf-1ArgLGacPHhhhCWktLwThut_V1nF75qBBRTXwbA-2ZMvDrujw47vCZ2kuwaKtts04YjHNdmM48WDaPI7Qy3NFYFIHty48ueJNN0PYA/s1600/thermal+expansion+quote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #0024ff; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hVSKKhFly1KysqaNScdx3N_J5rZvfUGDKbjf-1ArgLGacPHhhhCWktLwThut_V1nF75qBBRTXwbA-2ZMvDrujw47vCZ2kuwaKtts04YjHNdmM48WDaPI7Qy3NFYFIHty48ueJNN0PYA/s640/thermal+expansion+quote.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); height: auto; max-width: 95%; padding: 4px; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Prospects are Good for Sealer Industry in the US Even Without Coal Tar</span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">A market research company recently confirmed what one CEO of a sealer company said a few years ago: bans really won’t hurt the sealcoat business.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">In the projected period through 2024, the industry is expected to experience “moderate growth” but “rising bans on coal tar-based sealers, the improved performance of asphalt-based sealers, and competitive pricing are expected to result in the increased consumption of bitumen and asphalt sealers…”</span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
<a href="http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Transparency</b></span><br />
<br />
The coal tar sealer industry has clearly demonstrated a lack of transparency and positive action to curb the exposure of the public and the environment to these toxins.<br />
<br />
In fact, the coal tar industry leaders recently said that there is "no risk" in using their products.<br />
<br />
On February 24, 2017 the <a href="http://jwcdaily.com/2017/02/24/opinion-sealcoating-ban-lacks-research/" style="background-color: white; color: #0024ff; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Daily North Shore</span></a> (Illinois) published an opinion piece by the coal tar industry trade group entitled, “Sealcoating Ban Lacks Research.”<br />
<br />
The industry, namely the Pavement Coatings Technology Council, makes a slough of false statements in their letter (regarding health, business, testing) but let’s focus on their core claim:<br />
<br />
<i>“When RTS [“refined tar sealer” industry’s pet name for coal tar sealer] products are properly applied, they pose no health or environmental risk to the community”</i><br />
<br />
What evidence does the industry have to make such a statement? NONE, it is completely baseless.<br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" />
It reminds me of what the Winnetka Councilmember said during their ban discussion:<br />
<br />
<i>“What we’ve heard from the industry ….is the same thing that I heard as a lawyer from the tobacco industry & asbestos industries.<br /><br />Instead of presenting us with studies showing this material is safe, they criticize studies that show it’s harmful.”</i><br />
<br />
Here are the facts: the negative effects of coal tar sealers have been positively shown on fish, frogs, and salamanders in both the laboratory and in nature by multiple governmental and university researchers in the US, Canada and France. It has even been analyzed down to the DNA of aquatic organisms and shown that 100 to 1 dilutions damage DNA and the repair mechanisms to fix the damage.<br />
<br />
We are talking about a substance in potent quantities on driveways that is a known human carcinogen, causes birth defects and triggers asthma. There is an abundance of risk with this product.<br />
<br />
One coal tar company recently got a "cease and desist" letter from the EPA about making false claims about their product.<br />
<br />
There are additional problems with the coal tar industry's lack of candor about their product. Here are some links to several stories covered on Coal Tar Free America:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/search?q=industry">https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/search?q=industry</a><br />
<a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/search?q=myths">https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/search?q=myths</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></b><br />
<br />
Coal tar sealers fail to meet fundamental consumer protection standards. My hope is that decision-makers acknowledge this and take it from commonplace to out of the marketplace.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-29366239313135593332017-03-01T13:22:00.000-06:002017-03-01T16:48:43.271-06:00"Lesson in Good Government" Leads Suburban Chicago Community to Ban Coal Tar Sealers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e4OGBBfTyRnHzDLjSXiU7wyW2EkU2aEKV46OmnGYUGtoT9Qi9vcRHFzYgBZpZmLRs2zdYE8NKPNsDXOJMRugYw5OiCF4cbnb_qg2jRlmx8z7Qtv9TWOnlgSTaDURyDwX0VOcdcqF6eo/s1600/5949043507_e94e2842e4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e4OGBBfTyRnHzDLjSXiU7wyW2EkU2aEKV46OmnGYUGtoT9Qi9vcRHFzYgBZpZmLRs2zdYE8NKPNsDXOJMRugYw5OiCF4cbnb_qg2jRlmx8z7Qtv9TWOnlgSTaDURyDwX0VOcdcqF6eo/s320/5949043507_e94e2842e4_z.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<h3>
Village of Wilmette listens & rejects industry arguments</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
While it appears that over 25 million Americans watched the President's address to Congress last night, there was also good TV to be seen in the livestream of the Village of Wilmette Council meeting.<br />
<br />
Several high school students were on hand to witness portions of what the Village President, Bob Bielinski, called a "lesson in good government."<br />
<br />
He went on to explain the deliberate process the ban went through. It included a Commission with well-heeled technical experts who prepared a summary recommendation over several months. Also, the League of Women Voters of Wilmette was present and had their members fully engaged. In addition the Village received hundreds of supportive comments from residents seeking a ban.<br />
<br />
And the coal tar industry was well represented by members from North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Virginia. They even said that the Village of Wilmette was "far more receptive" to at least hearing their message than others have been. They were given more than a traditional 3 minutes and were able to make their case.<br />
<br />
And the Village President with mouse and iPad in hand showed he had done his homework. Specifically he tracked down one of the claims by industry where they said that Environnment<br />
Canada found that coal tar sealers didn't really present any risks. However the President Bielinski pointed out that they neglected to include the VERY next sentence from the report which read:<br />
<br />
<b>"The MOE [risks] associated with ingestion of house dust by children is considered potentially inadequate to protect these susceptible subpopulations."</b><br />
<br />
And the end of this lesson in good government? A unanimous ban of coal tar sealers. Well done Wilmette.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: <span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Wilmette's Baha'i House of Worship by</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/manunited/5949043507/in/photolist-a4GpnD-5iZVst-rV8YMp-rfMu1t-nuFt7N-rfzXdE-nwKDLG-nwKEto-a4GKr6-rV1Whj-dsn8p5-ea2aWX-5Y8FyC-5Y4y7H-33SAhu-9BPjD1-33N6RR-mokjx-33N9Aa-5XUtuH-qSdXEr-33SEow-ahNbLP-5ADSAf-a9XNAD-9BPjEy-e85tHP-9zMWdS-ahNba6-nuFsi3-33N5wn-nyv24t-8ebpyX-33SFHm-33N3hp-nwKESQ-a4GNK4-33SD3s-nuFspL-zGvGX1-zHBMcD-zGvTCQ-yLzXX9-zGvwJf-yLJroz-nyv5R8-nfewbR-zFiLBE-zGvBWQ-zJvXeK" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;" target="_blank"> Adib Roy</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-30959875794674527672017-02-25T09:54:00.000-06:002017-02-25T13:55:39.926-06:00Industry "No Risk" Claims Pure Fiction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNsUTl3m-WXbUfiYTZYcTBJWffl9WT7_ErNJBgO4_LybKVagJyam3aX1thiUuxSzJybN2ysKNHGWFl3DPAlibBWsMfNo1ZKHcNHM9ArSrxbT2RcxSpaIl6AsqLYM0asEmkbvm-I18KZw/s1600/vintage-1794784_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNsUTl3m-WXbUfiYTZYcTBJWffl9WT7_ErNJBgO4_LybKVagJyam3aX1thiUuxSzJybN2ysKNHGWFl3DPAlibBWsMfNo1ZKHcNHM9ArSrxbT2RcxSpaIl6AsqLYM0asEmkbvm-I18KZw/s320/vintage-1794784_1280.jpg" width="205" /></a>On February 24th the <a href="http://jwcdaily.com/2017/02/24/opinion-sealcoating-ban-lacks-research/" target="_blank">Daily North Shore</a> (Illinois) published an opinion piece by the coal tar industry trade group entitled, “Sealcoating Ban Lacks Research.” Too bad the paper doesn’t have a fiction section because that is where that opinion piece belongs.<br />
<br />
The industry, namely the Pavement Coatings Technology Council, makes a slough of false statements in their letter (regarding health, business, testing) but let’s focus on their core claim:<br />
<br />
<i>“When RTS </i>[“refined tar sealer” industry’s pet name for coal tar sealer]<i> products are properly applied, they pose no health or environmental risk to the community”</i><br />
<br />
What evidence does the industry have to make such a statement?<br />
<br />
Well there is a 1991 magazine article, which used outdated methods, wasn’t peer reviewed, and is inconsistent with recent studies. It showed it safe for workers. But what does prove about “no health or environmental risk”? NOTHING.<br />
<br />
They have sponsored a several studies that look at the percentage of pollution in a watershed which could be traced back to coal tar sealers. But what does prove about “no health or environmental risk”? NOTHING.<br />
<br />
Have they published any data about the concentration of chemicals in their products? NO.<br />
<br />
Have they tested the safety of letting kids play on playgrounds and driveways with coal tar sealers? NO.<br />
<br />
The fact is that industry has NO supporting information or studies to support this claim. It is pure fiction and they hope that if they say it long enough and loud enough then people will believe them.<br />
<br />
It reminds me of what the Winnetka Councilmember said during their ban discussion:<br />
<br />
<i>“What we’ve heard from the industry ….is the same thing that I heard as a lawyer from the tobacco industry & asbestos industries. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Instead of presenting us with studies showing this material is safe, they criticize studies that show it’s harmful.”</i><br />
<br />
Here are the facts: the negative effects of coal tar sealers have been positively shown on fish, frogs, and salamanders in both the laboratory and in nature by multiple governmental and university researchers in the US, Canada and France. It has even been analyzed down to the DNA of aquatic organisms and shown that 100 to 1 dilutions damage DNA and the repair mechanisms to fix the damage.<br />
<br />
We are talking about a substance in potent quantities on driveways that is a known human carcinogen, causes birth defects and triggers asthma. There is an abundance of risk with this product.<br />
<br />
Links to all this research are on this website and you can start <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/p/science.html" target="_blank">here</a> in our Science section.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, February 28th Wilmette will vote on a ban of this substance. I suspect that the wise stewards of that community will see this opinion piece for what it is: a work of fiction not to be taken seriously.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-7039170619116962872017-02-21T13:11:00.000-06:002017-02-22T14:11:10.904-06:00Top 5 Business Reasons to Stop the Use of Coal Tar Sealers<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you want to provide REAL environmental benefits while FULLY considering the business impacts? </span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQuDxifYU9pt6-ih0yQynXr7MYt6jqbGlAoH19tTUEjZkBOZseE09r5DhsczMAdnByKMa89jxO80TpQnpB1B617ee_L8S0ZHKyZ9CUKc9OsKe6UPIPrn8Oz0fgvNz7qUc1o0cDJHyzyc/s1600/winner-1575839_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQuDxifYU9pt6-ih0yQynXr7MYt6jqbGlAoH19tTUEjZkBOZseE09r5DhsczMAdnByKMa89jxO80TpQnpB1B617ee_L8S0ZHKyZ9CUKc9OsKe6UPIPrn8Oz0fgvNz7qUc1o0cDJHyzyc/s320/winner-1575839_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This website often focuses on the human health and environmental reasons why a community or a business should end the use of coal tar sealers. But what about the business reasons for ending its use?<br />
<br />
I know you're busy so here are the top 5.<br />
<br />
Just so you know, I'm not an environmentalist ranting about something to drive donations or sell a product. I am a former small business owner myself that had to deal with the complexities of regulations and the bottom line. You also might find it interesting that my family used coal tar in the roofing business over 4 generations and nearly 100 years.<br />
<br />
In light of that, I ask you to please consider the following.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Lowes and Home Depot Stopped Selling Coal Tar Sealers Based Upon a Business Model</span></b><br />
<br />
In 2007, I worked with the City of Austin team advising the New York Academy of Sciences on PAH pollution in the NY Harbor. At those meetings, the Chief Sustainability Officer for Lowes, Michael Chennard, said that they stopped selling coal tar sealants after learning about it from Austin, based upon a business model. Here's the Lowes' equation:<br />
<br />
1. Identify products that have a high potential liability. He said their pockets were now deeper than many of their suppliers, so they have more to lose.<br />
<br />
2. Find out if there are suitable alternatives in quality and price.<br />
<br />
3. If both the quality and prices are similar, then remove the problematic product from the shelves<br />
<br />
If it isn't good enough for Lowes and Home Depot, why is it good enough for your community or business? Who would continue to use a product that has a sound replacement and reduces liability?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Regulations are for Bad Actors, Not Good Ones</span></b><br />
<br />
A few years ago it became apparent that a line of Samsonite luggage had high PAHs in the handles of their suitcases. What did they do? Deny it? Deflect the attention away from it? <br />
<br />
No they tested their products and recalled 250,000 units and fixed the problem. No government intervention at all.<br />
<br />
That is not what the coal tar industry has done. They have clearly demonstrated a lack of transparency and positive action to curb the exposure of the public and the environment to these toxins.<br />
<br />
You can read more about it here: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/samsonite-recalls-tokyo-chic-suitcases-amid-cancer-fears-over-handles/">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/samsonite-recalls-tokyo-chic-suitcases-amid-cancer-fears-over-handles/</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. The True Costs of Coal Tar Sealers are Less than the Benefits</span></b><br />
<br />
The State of Minnesota estimated cost for the 3.3 million people in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to clean up after coal tar sealer contamination was over <b>$1 billion! The cost of cleaning it up is many times greater than the value of the installed product in the first place! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>Here's another example. The City of Austin was encouraged by the State of Texas to clean up a small drainage swale which had been contaminated by coal tar sealers from a single apartment complex near Barton Springs Pool. The cost, complete with workers in moon suits because of the high PAH concentrations, was about $500,000! This was for a single parking lot drainage.<br />
<b><br />This does not include the cost of undesirable health outcomes (cancer, decreased fertility, poor birth weight and IQ caused by the chemicals which are in potent quantities in coal tar sealers). </b>A<b> </b><a href="http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/coal-tar-sealants-cancer" target="_blank">Baylor toxicologist</a> said cancers from coal tar sealers likely affects a large number of Americans and they don't even know it.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>Let's talk about the cost of cancer. According to the <a href="https://www.drugwatch.com/2015/10/07/cost-of-cancer/" target="_blank">American Institute of Cancer Research</a>, the nationwide cost of cancer is $900 billion dollars. The proportional cost, based solely on population, to a city like San Antonio would be <b>$4.5 billion.</b><br />
<br />
Wouldn't business leaders want to reduce overall health and community costs?<br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Paving Experts Recommend Against Using Coal Tar Sealers</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>The liabilities of using coal tar sealers on commercial parking lots are so great that a guidance manual for commercial properties issued this warning in their hardback book, <i><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=zSwpSlSMfEMC&lpg=PR14&vq=PAH&num=19&authuser=0&pg=PR14#v=onepage&q&f=false" target="_blank">Guide to Pavement Maintenance</a></i>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://books.google.com/books?id=zSwpSlSMfEMC&lpg=PR14&vq=PAH&num=19&authuser=0&pg=PR14&output=embed" style="border-style: initial; border-width: 0px;" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<br />
It also isn't recommended for the longevity of an asphalt surface by the main proponents of asphalt paving, <a href="http://www.asphaltinstitute.org/asphalt-maintenance-and-rehabilitation-faqs/" target="_blank">The Asphalt Institute</a>. It has been <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=LPvRBQAAQBAJ&lpg=PA570&dq=thermal%20expansion%20coal%20tar%20seal%20airport&pg=PA570#v=onepage&q=thermal%20expansion%20coal%20tar%20seal%20airport&f=false" target="_blank">found</a> to actually degrade asphalt by allowing moisture to build up between the two materials.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hVSKKhFly1KysqaNScdx3N_J5rZvfUGDKbjf-1ArgLGacPHhhhCWktLwThut_V1nF75qBBRTXwbA-2ZMvDrujw47vCZ2kuwaKtts04YjHNdmM48WDaPI7Qy3NFYFIHty48ueJNN0PYA/s1600/thermal+expansion+quote.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hVSKKhFly1KysqaNScdx3N_J5rZvfUGDKbjf-1ArgLGacPHhhhCWktLwThut_V1nF75qBBRTXwbA-2ZMvDrujw47vCZ2kuwaKtts04YjHNdmM48WDaPI7Qy3NFYFIHty48ueJNN0PYA/s640/thermal+expansion+quote.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Prospects are Good for Sealer Industry in the US Even Without Coal Tar</span></b><br />
<br />
A market research company recently confirmed what one CEO of a sealer company said a few years ago: bans really won’t hurt the sealcoat business.<br />
<br />
In the projected period through 2024, the industry is expected to experience “moderate growth” but “rising bans on coal tar-based sealers, the improved performance of asphalt-based sealers, and competitive pricing are expected to result in the increased consumption of bitumen and asphalt sealers…”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html">http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/north-america-sealers-market.html</a><br />
<br />
Those are my top 5 business reasons for stopping the sale and use of coal tar sealers. Would any community or business need any more reasons?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-66088746751925382672017-02-17T09:02:00.001-06:002017-02-17T09:02:30.832-06:00A Glimpse at a Life Well Lived: Coal Tar Ban Advocate Dr. Dave Wilson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dr. Dave Wilson, my most revered partner in the fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coaltar?src=hash">#coaltar</a> sealant. A glimpse at a life well lived: <a href="https://t.co/dM6bZJNqIL">https://t.co/dM6bZJNqIL</a></div>
— Rebecca Esselman (@NatureIsWater) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatureIsWater/status/831876056831426560">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxpeH-_RfnmzBFYPwxQvAc6wpi-mZDvgxomxYpYGCiJOPB1Aiy8W7N0LPJHtjU9lBYD9bSnoC-f4Je2523s5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Why Dr. Wilson was so passionate about coal tar sealers.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='640' height='480' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzNjhYqyf6syosKmv-vymsOpHs9vdgOGwnkvRDdEJWaxHV5OOkMFrTmVUxEX0kWNnVOogGD4uR5hR1BteMuXQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Full interview with Dr. Wilson regarding coal tar pavement sealers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpXSlTcawoK6kuGXT-hM09KXwKp0cv4eMKAKk0o0bqByTtoNF7mX5uG16Lo5OUTKvZi3lnUPxvMyxVjo18nqYN7MxU3wA8D0O1zCsMW6-geDqV86Xxt60OMUjawO4HTWNBAgGlN6Jeto/s1600/drdavewilsonfromVanderbilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpXSlTcawoK6kuGXT-hM09KXwKp0cv4eMKAKk0o0bqByTtoNF7mX5uG16Lo5OUTKvZi3lnUPxvMyxVjo18nqYN7MxU3wA8D0O1zCsMW6-geDqV86Xxt60OMUjawO4HTWNBAgGlN6Jeto/s320/drdavewilsonfromVanderbilt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-82966687209352296742017-02-13T08:35:00.001-06:002017-02-14T01:03:21.247-06:00"Precautionary Principle" No Longer Applies to Coal Tar Sealers<h3>
Once appropriate, the use is obsolete</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn6ggIal3x5WbnUXcNgXJzLGPhOx8X_OsbCoDR3BxmeNYxdkzMFJjHhWEmB_sKSemZJi37gyeKCfjlBRql8l2r0RXOgw9z5mQvysvTZOEEymF9dvojf-V7tdj3zDIEFWb4xurPCPehO8/s1600/paper-109277_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn6ggIal3x5WbnUXcNgXJzLGPhOx8X_OsbCoDR3BxmeNYxdkzMFJjHhWEmB_sKSemZJi37gyeKCfjlBRql8l2r0RXOgw9z5mQvysvTZOEEymF9dvojf-V7tdj3zDIEFWb4xurPCPehO8/s320/paper-109277_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a>Back in 2003 the City of Austin was confronted with a perplexing, new hypothesis: high levels of stream contamination were coming from a common, unrecognized source – coal tar pavement sealers.<br />
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The City did what good pollution investigators do. They did research. They talked to experts. They had conversations with multiple sections of the Environmental Protection Agency. They talked to the state health department. And they had extensive conversations with industry leaders about what they knew about their own products.<br />
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At that time, there were a lot of unknowns.<br />
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After the compilation of all those answers and conversations and performing peer-reviewed research* on amphibians, aquatic species and runoff from coal tar sealed parking lots, the City of Austin felt they had what they needed to pass the ban of coal tar containing pavement products: evidence that coal tar sealers negatively affect aquatic species and that coal tar washes off from sealed parking lot surfaces during rain events.<br />
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In 2005, one might've said at that the ban in Austin was based upon the need to protect aquatic species only. Any discussion of the effects on humans would've been "precautionary" because there were many unknowns about the fate and transport and effects of coal tar sealants on humans.<br />
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But that was 12 years ago and now we know a lot more. <br />
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Here's a book definition of precautionary principle:<br />
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<i>When an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.</i></blockquote>
<b>What We Know Is Beyond Precautionary</b><br />
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<b>As you can see from the following summary, many cause and effect relationships have been firmly and fully scientifically established. </b><br />
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Here's a summary of what we know about coal tar sealers:<br />
<ul>
<li>PAHs are increasing in urban lakes around this country.</li>
<li>Coal tar pavement sealer has exceptionally high PAH concentrations.</li>
<li>Coal tar sealers are mobile. That's why you reseal a parking lot every two to three years.</li>
<li>The use of coal tar sealers is extensive. Many of the mapped watersheds have about 40% of the parking lots covered in coal tar sealers.</li>
<li>PAHs in house dust were elevated because they were being tracked in from the coal tar sealed parking lots. </li>
<li>Research has found that coal tar sealers are the largest contributor to urban lakes and is responsible for the increase in PAH in receiving lakes across the country.</li>
<li>There are increased cancer risks from contaminated dust exposure from coal tar sealed parking lots.</li>
<li>Austin saw a 58% reduction in PAH levels since its ban went into effect (2014).</li>
<li>More PAHs enter the atmosphere from coal tar sealers than all road traffic in the US.</li>
<li>The runoff from coal tar sealed parking lots is toxic days after a parking lot is sealed.</li>
<li>Coal tar sealers cause "significant" DNA damage.</li>
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"Precautionary" is the way my colleagues and I at the City of Austin used to wonder about the effects of coal tar sealers on people. Now none of us need to wonder anymore.</div>
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*The peer reviewed research was performed with other researchers both at universities and the USGS.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-20766977636993874792017-01-06T09:14:00.000-06:002017-01-06T11:08:12.500-06:00Industry Tries to Heave Hail Mary to Trump Administration<h3>
Industry is seeking relief from the burden of facts about their products from the USGS.</h3>
Herein lies the “hail Mary” for the coal tar industry: that somehow the Trump Administration will save an industry peddling a toxic product when the research of dozens of researchers, independent of the USGS, come to the same conclusion: it has severe negative affects on humans and the environment.<br />
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I think that when or if the new President learns that the <a href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2011/02/holy-tar-balls-most-coal-tar-for-cts-is.html" target="_blank">majority of this waste product is imported</a> from countries like Mexico and China he may become an advocate for banning it. It is the equivalent of building a wall to keep toxics out of our country.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5TMJmuv-jK1gv36hr2S_DU9tUEPwsLtbaQALdj9atnGI8xqAhS-UntbyExFqMEa-Ke8pJhmx40SWqKYnOjpPVfESzaGu0vDKcsE0hUUK3ZuLnxHw2wkEBAXlByy8zkgyhw9nAcoT1lc/s1600/8019420543_196800112b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5TMJmuv-jK1gv36hr2S_DU9tUEPwsLtbaQALdj9atnGI8xqAhS-UntbyExFqMEa-Ke8pJhmx40SWqKYnOjpPVfESzaGu0vDKcsE0hUUK3ZuLnxHw2wkEBAXlByy8zkgyhw9nAcoT1lc/s320/8019420543_196800112b_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Phil Roeder from Flickr</td></tr>
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They say the results from the USGS are not reproducible? Then why don't they start with the simple quantitative tests?<br />
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No, the industry has never even published the simple lab PAH concentration of their products.<br />
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How about running a standard AMES test on the products which would show the toxicity of it to standard bacteria? Never seen them publish that.<br />
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How about a study that shows it is safe for children to play on a coal tar sealed surface that industry members seal by the millions of square feet per year? Oh they haven’t done that either.<br />
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I suspect industry's hail Mary will end up where most of them do… incomplete and well short of the mark.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-82699209171589821022016-12-30T10:27:00.000-06:002017-01-03T01:33:33.727-06:00Doctors, Lawyers & Coal Tar Relief: 2016 Year in Review<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the world of coal tar sealers, 2016 has been a fascinating year.</h3>
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New scientific research, sweeping federal legislation, bans, citizen and legal actions, and healthcare professional endorsements all moved coal tar pavement sealers further down the path of extinction. However, it wasn't all success as statewide efforts often lacked populous support.</div>
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If this site is any indication, web traffic doubled in 2016 over the year prior. Thanks to those who partnered with Coal Tar Free America in to help drive interest and traffic.</div>
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Here are our top 16 events of 2016:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. In November the American Medical Association or </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/11/ama-legislators-urge-action-on-coal-tar.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNHsdvhfEixlJx_Kb4-4FR11Se4JzQ" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/11/ama-legislators-urge-action-on-coal-tar.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">AMA approved a policy</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> lending their support to any federal state or local ban of coal tar pavement sealers. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. In June the </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/07/video-summary-of-san-antonios-historic_91.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNEaZKZj-p90euKpjcHADH2TiDpROA" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/07/video-summary-of-san-antonios-historic_91.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">City of San Antonio</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> became the nation's largest city to ban coal tar sealers. Now about 20 million Americans are under a ban. The s</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Coal-tar-ban-would-ensure-public-safety-8319779.php&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNElBLoipnFqCVs8A-auafFFmC_igA" href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Coal-tar-ban-would-ensure-public-safety-8319779.php" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ponsor, Councilmember Ron Nirenberg garnered support</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> from the health department and the VP of the local Associated General Contractors. Integral local support came from the <a href="http://www.aquiferalliance.net/" target="_blank">Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance</a> and the <a href="http://www.momscleanairforce.org/state-of-texas/" target="_blank">Texas Moms' Clean Air Force.</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG30ZQ3mnx0avdlcPPHCR6g2e2z7XCsrfwu0voZbkiP-GvIYvaJFQXufWH1Aj0bN7a0oGBJGX5D76gS9vukVyjzsQj9yLoDqy2ci8Se-ZmnXYD7NgltyYQ1ldRMG2U9UtDNffR5ml_0oA/s1600/2016+thumbnails.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG30ZQ3mnx0avdlcPPHCR6g2e2z7XCsrfwu0voZbkiP-GvIYvaJFQXufWH1Aj0bN7a0oGBJGX5D76gS9vukVyjzsQj9yLoDqy2ci8Se-ZmnXYD7NgltyYQ1ldRMG2U9UtDNffR5ml_0oA/s320/2016+thumbnails.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the thumbnails of this year's posts; an interactive window with links is below</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The federal </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/06/tsca-reform-storm-passes-coal-tar-bans.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNEC0JNPaf9p9cBgvbEE2eC7i-DzOQ" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/06/tsca-reform-storm-passes-coal-tar-bans.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed by Congress</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> and signed by Pres. Obama in June. It had support from both parties and industry and many environmental groups. Essentially it creates a pathway for more materials to be regulated and greater certainty for industry with firm timetables on decision-making. Coal tar sealants are not on the horizon to be reviewed, but authors of the legislation recommend continued activity at the state and local level until the EPA takes action.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveHGVioiIeuRm95cfduACK4EU3hw-EHwOmoNE2u52erRQB3FBtd5xSy95dXVB-X8y8nNi6sAOrg8JhSdqtgIIKZd21eVXcvP4aum_xWkC5QLSwRlcC95VBO69RVwC73nAWeQvdnutjhc/s1600/AMAannouncement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveHGVioiIeuRm95cfduACK4EU3hw-EHwOmoNE2u52erRQB3FBtd5xSy95dXVB-X8y8nNi6sAOrg8JhSdqtgIIKZd21eVXcvP4aum_xWkC5QLSwRlcC95VBO69RVwC73nAWeQvdnutjhc/s320/AMAannouncement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">4. Canada just </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/08/open-letter-to-canada-ban-coal-tar.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNH4ypOJyU2fe_MV5sUIQyXeLYsYxg" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/08/open-letter-to-canada-ban-coal-tar.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">completed a review and public comment</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> period regarding the regulation or banning completely of coal tar sealers. Their review was mixed with a lot of negative comments about impacts on the environment. It is uncertain whether this will pass or not at this time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">5. In 2016 </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/10/thanks-ypsilanti-huron-river-watershed.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNGk0DaZDsbU9HHESXssspPBGs9lkQ" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/10/thanks-ypsilanti-huron-river-watershed.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">several suburban Detroit communities</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> passed bans including Ann Arbor. These all had limits on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), not just coal tar. Thanks to the <a href="http://www.hrwc.org/the-watershed/threats/coal-tar/" target="_blank">Huron River Watershed Council</a> for leading that.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">6. Last year the sealer industry started selling new products in earnest that are asphalt-based, but high in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (the chemical family of concern and coal tar). Some communities in Illinois and Michigan have passed bans of coal tar and any material containing more than 0.1% PAH. Others have continued to just focus on coal tar alone. We published the first cut of asphalt-based products which shows the PAH concentration of these alternatives. Thanks to <a href="http://www.site-lab.com/news.htm" target="_blank">Sitelab </a>who offered free product testing! You can read more about it <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2015/12/new-sealer-alternatives-arent-all.html&source=gmail&ust=1483292376854000&usg=AFQjCNEyOtfsGdR7LKCOtfVFmIIoEq8Nwg" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/09/by-numbers-pah-guide-to-coal-tar-free.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8hQu8MR7PFTgU4GVBQGrXQs8sQQLKoCjrdb5dplYuJlI9qap26BLGh5eVvtgpfQkiVn9OzclAY-ibQjVfSW99J1LtA7ehqE7cXQa1gIWPQnLZuGqwIJZwVytlqWso5n8Udq6wEAr9cg/s1600/EPA+deserves+everyone%25E2%2580%2599s+thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8hQu8MR7PFTgU4GVBQGrXQs8sQQLKoCjrdb5dplYuJlI9qap26BLGh5eVvtgpfQkiVn9OzclAY-ibQjVfSW99J1LtA7ehqE7cXQa1gIWPQnLZuGqwIJZwVytlqWso5n8Udq6wEAr9cg/s320/EPA+deserves+everyone%25E2%2580%2599s+thanks.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">7. EPA announced in August that coal tar sealers will be </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/08/historic-good-news-era-of-epa.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNGKgvOvS_0gof0lOWQ73GT27DMwbA" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/08/historic-good-news-era-of-epa.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">restricted at industrial sites in four states</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> starting in 2020. This is the first action by the US EPA on this product and it is a model that other states may follow. This effort was spearheaded by the <a href="http://waterkeeper.org/environmental-groups-win-national-victory-for-clean-water/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance.</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">8, In August a </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/08/breaking-retail-coal-tar-sealers-yield.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNEZlCqUhRAgGx3633YqkX_pe_fqAw" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/08/breaking-retail-coal-tar-sealers-yield.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">new research paper</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> found increased genetic damage from coal tar sealers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0lFJ133wdSBLpe9lauVAYDd-bv2cpuK2B5bnHDMSmxMzaARqCKc9g7R9Dr98PrcpaUzSMFtS_97D7KwksgypeMbdpJKR4Wow3ba41J3iGbnqzJHVjUd4wRdM1ey2ozQhewTNoqPD_as/s1600/PCTC+Cartoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0lFJ133wdSBLpe9lauVAYDd-bv2cpuK2B5bnHDMSmxMzaARqCKc9g7R9Dr98PrcpaUzSMFtS_97D7KwksgypeMbdpJKR4Wow3ba41J3iGbnqzJHVjUd4wRdM1ey2ozQhewTNoqPD_as/s320/PCTC+Cartoon.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">9. <a href="http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.estlett.6b00116" target="_blank">Oregon State researchers</a> looked at a broader range of PAH materials and found that while it is consistent with the findings of the USGS, coal tar sealers are more toxic than previously known.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">10. Earlier in the year the</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/02/us-epa-debunks-industrys-witch-hunt.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNH83MqXqyd1C6xiyjAxUUUhrdUDWg" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/02/us-epa-debunks-industrys-witch-hunt.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"> EPA wrote a letter of support </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">of the research accomplished by the USGS. Industry had attempted to discredit the research and have EPA expunge it from their educational literature.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">11. In May Dr. Oz in one of his </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/05/thanks-dr-oz-for-recommendation.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNEHCt2HaCcXnp95VAri-uC9juFkyw" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/05/thanks-dr-oz-for-recommendation.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">syndicated columns</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> recommended people cease from the use of coal tar sealers and that they should go to Coal Tar Free America for additional information.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. The United States Geological Survey or USGS printed a new <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/fs20163017&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNGtt1vm3a1Rxd9j_A5u5UA2dttFJw" href="https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/fs20163017" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">educational flyer summarizing</a> the research about the hazards of coal tar sealants. It is technical enough for the public and decision-makers to understand the issue and to take action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />13. In December the Region One of the EPA wrote a <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/12/epa-tells-coal-tar-sealer-to-cease-and.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNEFGyyAudPl7YPLKDe60jNT6lR3YA" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/12/epa-tells-coal-tar-sealer-to-cease-and.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">cease-and-desist letter</a> to a coal tar contractor for making false statements about their product.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptt2DA5Wm9uLabpPCx4-2lOf2i6YsjL2gY9dJzC_LrAe3xykPAg0BEZIN49C3BvZVQX8hn1PAJxrRNrFD_38L6_KWAMHi-B6SQxkJdrGiZstB-Ky-B1EWOq4JbJYO4HcWdcVY9Vj-JMM/s1600/nocoaltar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptt2DA5Wm9uLabpPCx4-2lOf2i6YsjL2gY9dJzC_LrAe3xykPAg0BEZIN49C3BvZVQX8hn1PAJxrRNrFD_38L6_KWAMHi-B6SQxkJdrGiZstB-Ky-B1EWOq4JbJYO4HcWdcVY9Vj-JMM/s200/nocoaltar.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">14. The public outcry and citizens' actions in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomfretDTC/photos/a.258696154175636.68561.182711021774150/1291866817525226/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Pomfret, Connecticut</a>. They are a model of public reaction to a government decision to use coal tar on their local roads. They are organized and motivated. Expect to hear more about them in 2017. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. </span>Last year the sealer industry started selling a new product that is asphalt-based, but high in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (the chemical family of concern and coal tar). Some communities in Illinois and Michigan have passed bans of coal tar and any material containing more than 0.1% PAH. Others have continued to just focus on coal tar alone. You can read more about it <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2015/12/new-sealer-alternatives-arent-all.html&source=gmail&ust=1483293709251000&usg=AFQjCNHqvuYvXiAi1hMlwLnwfB6dWtiJbg" href="http://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2015/12/new-sealer-alternatives-arent-all.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">16. Late in the year, the USGS jointly-published a <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/etc.3694/full" target="_blank">comprehensive field study</a> of PAH concentrations and sources in Milwaukee-area streams. The lead researcher said, <i>"</i></span><i>This (USGS) study shows that PAHs (from coal tar sealers) pose a very real threat to aquatic organisms…. In terms of toxicity to these organisms, PAHs are probably the most important contaminants in Milwaukee-area streams.”</i> <br />
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In concert with this release, 19 area communities in the Milwaukee-area pledged to do what they can to eliminate this product from their area.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">While not garnishing any headlines, one of the most important events of the year is the struggle that many mothers and fathers go through after they find out that they have a freshly sealed, toxic coal tar driveway in front of their home. I count it an honor to assist these people with various means to address the problem. I hope that this becomes less frequent as more restrictions on and less demand for these products continues.</span></div>
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<b>2017 PREDICTIONS?</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Obviously with the change in the White House administrations, predictions on the future of environmental regulations at a federal level are uncertain. However the bipartisan TSCA re-write of 2016 swings open wide the continued local, regional and state restrictions of products like this. So let's keep moving this forward together!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-39896920844517687202016-12-19T08:22:00.000-06:002016-12-30T10:35:10.179-06:00The Sermon Begins on the Parking Lot<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpg4Dr3II34EvsbPECaF1MIr0pKsDh2nju1lRS4vCch0o5frIsw3yki1tx3MRhPplfxQUB4FmSMy0vknOWk_sAnwcPBZW4QZJH4MOMZ8NRFGji5RJYr2w9B1sLx88znXboK0s3N9onKA/s1600/Sermon_begins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpg4Dr3II34EvsbPECaF1MIr0pKsDh2nju1lRS4vCch0o5frIsw3yki1tx3MRhPplfxQUB4FmSMy0vknOWk_sAnwcPBZW4QZJH4MOMZ8NRFGji5RJYr2w9B1sLx88znXboK0s3N9onKA/s400/Sermon_begins.jpg" width="400" /></a>As we finish out this year, many will celebrate the Holiday Season with a trip to their local house of worship or that of a family member or friend. I can still remember those frosty, Midwestern trips as a boy to celebrate the midnight services on Christmas Eve.<br />
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It is an exciting time as many congregations make their best efforts to be warm and welcoming to infrequent or out-of-town guests. I am reminded of a quote by a well-known minister, <a href="http://northpoint.org/" target="_blank">Andy Stanley</a>, who said,<br />
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<b><i>"The sermon begins in the parking lot." </i></b><br />
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In other words, the power and the message of our hospitality reflects our beliefs as much or more than the sermon itself.<br />
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It may seem like an unrelated fact, but did you know that churches are large consumers of coal tar sealers? The stuff that the <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/11/ama-legislators-urge-action-on-coal-tar.html" target="_blank">American Medical Association</a> says should be banned and is a risk to <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2016/02/do-pavement-sealers-cause-cancer.html" target="_blank">children</a> and the <a href="https://coaltarfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2014/05/should-pregnant-women-avoid-coal-tar.html" target="_blank">unborn</a>?<br />
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Because of this, I would like to offer this friendly amendment:<br />
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<b>"The sermon begins ON the parking lot."</b></i><br />
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Nothing says more about your what you believe than having a safe, non-toxic surface to cross on your way to worship. It is a form of hospitality. When you invite someone into your home, you should do what you can to make it clean and safe. It wouldn't be welcoming to have a party when your home was condemned or when someone was very sick in the home.<br />
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Here's what I mean. My daughter once went to play at a friends house. I stopped by to pick her up. I was immediately accosted by the smell of aging pet excrement. Then after observing trip hazards and a wobbly ceiling fan above her head, I was convinced that my baby girl was never going there again.<br />
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In the same way, inviting your visitors to cross a toxic surface,which is akin to be exposed to second-hand smoke, is unacceptable. It is like walking your children through a narrow corridor of cigarette smokers or across shards of glass. If your visitors knew about the science and the risks, as many do, and you asked them to cross that wretched landscape to learn about "loving your neighbor," how many do you think would return?<br />
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Jesus criticized the religious leaders for not offering him basic hospitality of the day like washing his feet, or giving him a kiss. They didn't care enough about his needs to meet them. I would also say that many churches don't care enough either to know about the harm caused by coal tar sealers or do anything about it.<br />
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<b>Three kinds of churches</b><br />
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Experience has taught me that in general churches fall into three categories when dealing with coal tar sealers:<br />
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1. Proactive<br />
2. Intransigent<br />
3. Uninformed<br />
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<b>1. Proactive</b><br />
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After the District of Columbia passed their ban of coal tar pavement sealers, the congregation of Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church resealed their parking lot. They took their choice of a non-toxic alternative to educate their congregation about the choices they were making and why a ban was taken up by the local government. They were informed and proactive...a model for others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6Ij7_Wrw9lHqlRKrLwoUD2ARdURMYj23YazjCEbl5OmbXosvCG2bm3r4Z-Efc_7bWHYtiuZsKYxBWauKL79CYTUcAMVVIcALVqQxffFgc-f60x3WeVc9NrZmOB7cUel-ZHmHkosJ42I/s1600/national+church+green+team.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6Ij7_Wrw9lHqlRKrLwoUD2ARdURMYj23YazjCEbl5OmbXosvCG2bm3r4Z-Efc_7bWHYtiuZsKYxBWauKL79CYTUcAMVVIcALVqQxffFgc-f60x3WeVc9NrZmOB7cUel-ZHmHkosJ42I/s640/national+church+green+team.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Intransigent (aka, "unchanging, stiff-necked")</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0Hegx6W_BJh1rmGp198s8KpLi1uPgGaQ6l_RssgYI7p4dyD7TsT-mh-GGceg087APLg6CuUlvgPVO3-V9MkMnMod71Zmv5yljlq5sI_YImW1L577bvp2_oGxzo-_K8QMfXczc2G5FY8/s1600/Screenshot_2016-09-21-16-21-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0Hegx6W_BJh1rmGp198s8KpLi1uPgGaQ6l_RssgYI7p4dyD7TsT-mh-GGceg087APLg6CuUlvgPVO3-V9MkMnMod71Zmv5yljlq5sI_YImW1L577bvp2_oGxzo-_K8QMfXczc2G5FY8/s320/Screenshot_2016-09-21-16-21-15.jpg" width="320" /></a>A long time reader and a concerned educator recently went to her North Carolina church maintenance committee. She heard they were getting ready to decide what maintenance they were going to do for their church parking lot. The use of coal tar based sealers was the approach they were looking to use.<br />
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She presented a summary of the science on the problems with coal tar sealers. They were apparently as interested as the cast iron figure pictured here.<br />
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Having been around churches most of my life both as a member and consultant, I must say this is disappointing. The Christian church is built on the premise that what we were doing was wrong and we need to admit it and change our behavior. In theory it should set in motion an introspective attitude looking to constantly improve ones life. </div>
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But instead it somehow creates a mental cocoon that all past decisions are among the sacred from the carpet, to the pew to the parking lot. Lord help us.</div>
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<b>3. Uninformed</b></div>
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The toxicity of coal tar pavement coatings has been covered in mainstream media, but for all the noise it has been lost on many in the nation. Yes it was covered by <a href="http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/is-your-backyard-toxic/?v=print" target="_blank">Readers Digest</a> and <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/outdoor-projects/4343079" target="_blank">Popular Mechanics</a>, but I don't think a single faith publication has covered the topic. Perhaps with this post that might begin to change.</div>
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If you're among those that are seeking to learn more about this issue I would suggest watching this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r3gMYS-r24&index=1&t=14s&list=PL092256775CBEBD8E" target="_blank">2 minute video</a> and reading this <a href="https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/fs20163017" target="_blank">6 page brochure from the USGS</a>. Both are intended for the non-scientific consumer.</div>
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Addressing the coating on your parking lot isn't as simple as putting a smile on your face or being gracious, but perhaps as you look forward to serving your community this can be one of the changes ahead. And then you can be among those whose sermons truly being on the parking lot.</div>
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If you have questions or other experiences, then I would love to hear about them in the comment section below. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-5698521590891597302016-12-09T08:23:00.000-06:002016-12-30T10:35:27.725-06:00EPA Tells Coal Tar Companies to "Cease and Desist" in its "False and Misleading" Advertising<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3t0HScnpHaMgeZAm-AvDVwSBVYlM3U3wh__GJYEzEZseNOz93uUlM9EBnd-ODyIPM04QIL73oZESRgBXqMKEZoXmLNZElXgvTVB6gvcb6dv1riETKKL3Ln6rlXqixwdBd6JAeo0uEA/s1600/windmill-1109222_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3t0HScnpHaMgeZAm-AvDVwSBVYlM3U3wh__GJYEzEZseNOz93uUlM9EBnd-ODyIPM04QIL73oZESRgBXqMKEZoXmLNZElXgvTVB6gvcb6dv1riETKKL3Ln6rlXqixwdBd6JAeo0uEA/s320/windmill-1109222_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sent a letter to a coal tar sealer supplier and contractor regarding "False and Misleading Statements" in connection with promotional literature distributed to some residents of Pomfret, Connecticut. Last July the product, Pavement Dressing Conditioner or "PDC" was applied to a residential drive.<br />
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The letter is the latest revelation in the ongoing dialog between the affected residents, local officials, the contractor and the regulatory community.<br />
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The EPA stated that the promotional literature's statements and use of the EPA logo implied their endorsement of the product, but the EPA said the following:<br />
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<i>"The U.S. EPA does not certify, endorse, promote or recommend any coal tar based asphalt sealants or rejuventors. Accordingly, the statements and logo images included in your literature are false and misleading. As a result, if the statements and U.S. EPA logos are not removed, we will refer the matter to the Federal Trade Commission."</i><br />
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A local paper, <i><a href="http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/20161206/epa-we-dont-endorse-controversial-treatment-used-on-pomfret-road" target="_blank">the Norwich Bulletin</a></i>, quoted the area's local elected official Pomfret First Selectman Craig Baldwin.<br />
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"We have not received the (EPA's) letter yet, but I anticipate getting in touch with Surtreat and K.A.E to find out why this information was given to us and, if necessary, consult with our lawyer," he said. "We never had any intention of redistributing the fliers."<br />
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Earlier this week an interview with a representative of the affected residents, John Dilorio, spoke with a local radio station about the letter and the issue. Here's a link to the <a href="http://www.winyradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/john-diiorio-december-7-2016-coal-tar.mp3" target="_blank">discussion</a> on WINY.</div>
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Among other things they asked if Pomfret will be part of a flash point for a national discourse on coal tar products. Let's hope so.</div>
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<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/333413254/Cease-and-Desist-Letter-to-PDC-from-EPA#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Cease and Desist Letter to PDC from EPA on Scribd">Cease and Desist Letter to PDC from EPA</a> by <a href="https://www.scribd.com/user/58615645/Tom-Ennis#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Tom Ennis's profile on Scribd">Tom Ennis</a> on Scribd</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5212735001005847783.post-21091497174784996932016-11-27T21:09:00.000-06:002016-12-30T10:36:58.911-06:00Web Buzzing About Doctors and Disney<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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BREAKING:American Medical Association just endorsed a policy to support the ban of coal tar pavement sealers<a href="https://t.co/4BvajKL0rX">https://t.co/4BvajKL0rX</a> <a href="https://t.co/66RX147QeZ">pic.twitter.com/66RX147QeZ</a></div>
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— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/798946470653267968">November 16, 2016</a></div>
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Thanks AMA, <a href="https://twitter.com/AmerMedicalAssn">@AmerMedicalAssn</a> , for broadly supporting the ban of coal tar sealers, "a threat to human health and env" at ALL levels! <a href="https://t.co/aYeeoxARih">pic.twitter.com/aYeeoxARih</a></div>
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— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/799692268823281664">November 18, 2016</a></div>
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AMA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmericanMedicalAssociation?src=hash">#AmericanMedicalAssociation</a> : Urges Legislation to Ban Dangerous Coal-Tar Sealcoats. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/o7Q9Ab8p3Z">https://t.co/o7Q9Ab8p3Z</a></div>
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— NGO News (@_ngoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/_ngoo/status/798930718835384320">November 16, 2016</a></div>
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"Every town shouldn't have to hire scientists to evaluate products like this (coal tar)" So do a local ban!<a href="https://t.co/w9ZvWcu4sr">https://t.co/w9ZvWcu4sr</a> <a href="https://t.co/51Cntdk1Ho">pic.twitter.com/51Cntdk1Ho</a></div>
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— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/801146517528657925">November 22, 2016</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chicago?src=hash">#Chicago</a> area eco org lets community know about toxic coal tar sealers <a href="https://twitter.com/SierraClubIL">@SierraClubIL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EnviroDefMC">@EnviroDefMC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DHinsider">@DHinsider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahAZack">@SarahAZack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLauraFine">@RepLauraFine</a> <a href="https://t.co/ksyRoZAnGC">pic.twitter.com/ksyRoZAnGC</a></div>
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— Coal Tar Free USA (@CTFreeAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/CTFreeAmerica/status/802171124184399872">November 25, 2016</a></div>
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