Coal-Tar Driveway Sealant (PAHs)
High burden — Coal-Tar Driveway Sealant (PAHs) is a significant avoidable exposure.
Black sealer coating a drive, path or parking lot.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: strong · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 32 places coal-tar driveway sealant (pahs) in the High band. The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Coal-tar sealcoat is loaded with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Worn particles track indoors on shoes and tyres: US Geological Survey sampling found PAH in house dust about 25 times higher in homes beside coal-tar-sealed lots than beside plain asphalt or concrete.
Frequently asked questions
Is coal-tar driveway sealant (pahs) a toxic exposure?
Coal-Tar Driveway Sealant (PAHs) has a Detox Score of 32 out of 100 (High burden), which means it is a significant avoidable exposure. Coal-tar sealcoat is loaded with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Worn particles track indoors on shoes and tyres: US Geological Survey sampling found PAH in house dust about 25 times higher in homes beside coal-tar-sealed lots than beside plain asphalt or concrete.
What is a safer alternative to coal-tar driveway sealant (pahs)?
A lower-exposure swap for coal-tar driveway sealant (pahs) is: An asphalt-based sealer, or leaving the surface unsealed. Coal-tar sealcoat is loaded with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Worn particles track indoors on shoes and tyres: US Geological Survey sampling found PAH in house dust about 25 times higher in homes beside coal-tar-sealed lots than beside plain asphalt or concrete.