COMMENTARY
A toxic industrial product, banned by one state and many cities, is replaceable with a safer alternative - by Ed Sadowski - COjourn editor/publisher/Arapahoe Community College - May 26, 2011
It's a moment of discovery that is unsettling: a toxic chemical in our midst that has been around a long time but that most people have never heard of. What's also unsettling is that it has received virtually no coverage from the news media in Colorado.
I stumbled onto an article that Washington has recently been the first and only state to ban a coal tar asphalt sealant that is used on parking lots and driveways. The sealant protects the asphalt from wear and damage, extending the life of the asphalt. But it breaks down into a dust that has found its way into homes, schools, businesses, streams, and lakes. And its toxicity has alarmed scientists. (The toxic components found in this substance are also present in cosmetics and second-hand smoke.)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized it as a hazardous substance, yet has mystified observers that it has not banned it. But it's no mystery because the almighty buck too often wins over government action and corporate responsibility. The sealant industry has pressured the EPA not to ban the substance, and so far has been successful. The industry predictably poohs poohs the studies that show the coal tar as being dangerous. Gee, sounds familiar--reminiscent of the attempts to discredit studies against cigarettes back in the day.
It took three decades before the pesticide DDT was banned by the US, but only after a large amount of public pressure. How long will it be before coal tar asphalt sealants will be banned?
Scientists agree that children are particularly susceptible to these rampant contaminants as cancer time bombs. The American Cancer Society says that 75 to 80 percent of cancer is caused by environmental factors, and a smaller percentage due to pollutants.
Does your school's parking lot or your home's driveway harbor these contaminants? Most of us have no idea this is an issue, thanks to the lack of media coverage in Colorado. I found articles about the subject in only two small town papers in Colorado. Where's The Denver Post and other larger media outlets on this? Missing in action, unfortunately.
How many communities in Colorado use this substance? Probably many or most. Companies in the business of applying these sealants openly disclose the presence of coal tar in their products. Either they are not aware of the issue or don't care.
There are alternatives to using coal tar in sealants, although, admittedly, they are more expensive. Do we want to spend a few extra bucks to protect our health? Gee, what a dilemma.
Probably one reason the media have not covered the matter in Colorado is due to lack of awareness. So many issues, so little awareness and impetus to cover it.
Hopefully a few people can get the ball rolling and create some impetus. Perhaps Colorado could even become the second state to ban this substance. Well, no harm in dreaming.
