That earlier study in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology found that on average, the PAHs were 530 times higher in the parking lots sealed with coal tar.
For his part, Doggett, the congressman representing the Austin area, is glad that EPA is finally taking seriously the threat posed by the coal tar sealant.
“Under the prior administration, I confronted EPA inaction and excuses. I am pleased my repeated efforts have resulted in the EPA now initiating this long-overdue work, and we might finally move toward a nationwide ban on this dangerous substance,” Doggett said in a written statement.
Researcher Van Metre said the public doesn’t have to accept increasing levels of pollution as a price of development.
“Just because we live in urban environments — and most people do live in urban environments — doesn’t mean they have to be polluted,” he said.
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