Parker Waichman LLP

Sealants From Parking Lot Could Contaminate House Dust with PAHs

Dust in houses and apartment buildings located near parking lots and other outside paved surfaces could contain toxic contaminants, according to a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The study is published online in Environmental Science and Technology According to researchers at the USGS, elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in house […]

Dust in houses and apartment buildings located near parking lots and other outside paved surfaces could contain <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/toxic_substances">toxic contaminants, according to a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The study is published online in Environmental Science and Technology

According to researchers at the USGS, elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in house dust has been linked to coal-tar-based sealcoat, the black, shiny substance sprayed or painted on many parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds. In the past, several factors have been thought to affect PAH concentrations in house dust, including tobacco smoking and frequency of vacuuming. Researchers have had little success, however, demonstrating a relation between any of those factors and PAH concentrations.

PAHs are an environmental health issue because several are probable human carcinogens and they are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Coal tar is a byproduct of the coking of coal, and can contain 50 percent or more PAHs by weight. Coal-tar-based pavement sealants therefore have very high levels of PAHs compared to other PAH sources (e.g., soot, vehicle emissions, used motor oil).

The USGS study found that apartments adjacent to coal-tar-sealcoated parking lots contained concentrations of PAHs in house dust with that were 25 times higher than in house dust from apartments with concrete, asphalt, or asphalt-based sealcoat parking lot surfaces. The study also found that dust directly on the coal-tar-sealcoated parking lots had PAH concentrations that were 530 times higher than in dust on the parking lots without coal-tar sealcoat. Researchers conducting the study surmised that small particles of sealcoat, which contains extremely high concentrations of PAHs, likely are tracked indoors by residents after they walk across the parking lot.

Sealcoat products are widely used in the U.S., both commercially and by homeowners on their driveways. The products are commonly applied to parking lots of commercial businesses (including strip malls and shopping centers); apartment and condominium complexes; churches, schools, and business parks; residential driveways; and playgrounds. The sealcoat wears off of the surface relatively rapidly, especially in areas of high traffic, and manufacturers recommend resealing every three to five years.

Two kinds of sealcoat products are widely used: coal-tar-emulsion based products and asphalt-emulsion based products. Earlier studies have suggested that coal-tar based sealcoat is more commonly used in the Midwest, the South, and on the East Coast.

Previous research by the same group of USGS scientists, published earlier in 2009, demonstrated that dust from sealcoated parking lots in cities east of the Continental Divide had concentrations of PAHs that were about 1,000 times higher than in dust from sealcoated parking lots in cities west of the Continental Divide.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism Benita Rollis was very professional and caring. She returns my calls promptly and kept me updated on my case. Parker and Waichman please keep up the good work you have great person working for your company. I have no regrets
D Ferg
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Don't know where to begin, as I speak of ur honest n responsible worker Mrs. M.Josama if I had a law firm I would ask u to please except her resignation . She would have to work for my firm. One of a kind.
Ruth Rodriguez
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great work...these people do! My only suggestion would be more feedback where my case was in the process, but these people are BUSY, and they have a purpose in everything they do, so be patient, you won't be disappointed!
Thomas Blomgren
7 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038