Environmental Resources & Information

  1. Alternatives to Sealants
  2. Documents
  3. Links
  4. Contact Information

Safer Alternatives to Coal Tar Sealants

Did you know that Coal Tar Sealants contain up to 35% coal tar pitch, a labeled carcinogen. When sealing a driveway please take the following precautions to help protect our local streams:
  • Before using a pavement sealant, make sure that it does not contain coal tar, car tar pitch or RT-12.
  • Choose a product that is asphalt - or latex-based. Many home improvement centers, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware no longer sell coal tar sealants and only use alternative products.
  • If you hire a contractor to seal your driveway specify that you want them to use a product without coal tar and ask to see the label before they start the job.