Toxic driveways

The smell is unmistakeable. Driveways sealed with material containing coal tar pitch.

But the popular products can do more than give you a headache. Studies have linked the sealants to cancer. Researchers say coal tar is a known carcinogen. It becomes a potential danger over time, once it begins to break down and crumble into dust. The substance can then be inhaled or washed into waterways. One U.S. study estimates the lifetime risk for people with coal tar sealant driveways is 38 times higher than those without. Experts suggest using asphalt based products with no tar.