Inspired by Suffolk County, the Village of Lake Success is exploring a possible ban on coal tar pavement sealant, which contains carcinogenic chemicals that are toxic to humans and wildlife.
“There are no question that they are toxic,” said Richard Ambron, a member of the Lake Success Environmental Commission and a professor of cell biology and pathobiology at Columbia University Medical Center.
Coal tar sealant is a black liquid used to protect and maintain driveways and parking lots. They are rarely used on roads, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Coal tar sealant contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a group of compounds identified by the USGS as causing cancer, genetic mutations, and birth defects in aquatic life. Some are toxic to amphibians, birds, fish, plants, and mammals, including humans.
PAHs are formed by the incomplete combustion of coal. Other sources include smoking, candle and incense burning, and barbeque and fireplace use.
Ambron said the effect on the human body is cumulative.
“Once they come in, they don’t come out,” he said.
Humans could be exposed to PAHs through inhalation of contaminated particles or fumes, or skin contact with pavement or objects in contact with the pavement.
Village Attorney Peter Mineo was unclear whether the village has the authority to ban the product, but Village of Lake Success Mayor Ron Cooper promised to advise residents and commercial property owners of the issue.
Alternatives to coal tar sealant include asphalt-based products, which are primarily used west of the Continental Divide, according to the USGS.
Ambron was directed to research the issue by Lake Success Trustee David Milner, who read about the ban recently imposed by Suffolk County on the use or sale of coal tar sealants. It was previously banned in Austin, TX; Washington, D.C.; Dane County, Wisconsin; Washington State; and several suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Ambron said the most likely source of coal tar sealants in Lake Success is commercial parking lots.
“I think trying to limit exposure is a good thing,” he said.
Trustees also discussed a possible dress code for board and commission members. The issue was raised by Deputy Mayor Stephen Lam, who was dismayed to find scrubs, tank tops, and tennis attire worn to a Park Commission meeting.
“To me, it just seemed to be a shoddy way to represent the board and the village,” Lam said.
Trustee Adam Hoffman argued against a dress code, citing their status as volunteers.
An informal poll by Cooper found that few villages impose a dress code. In the Village of Kensington, dress is semi-professional with no shorts. In Manhorhaven, dress is a “minimum of business casual.”
Cooper said the matter might not require official board action, but he would talk to the chair of the various commissions.
“Go downstairs and put on a pair of slack and a shirt,” Lam said.
Trustees approved Saturday, Sept. 3 for a Lake Success only e-waste collection day. Accepted will be TVs, computer monitors, cell phones, and other electronic equipment. More information will be available through reverse 911 and on postcards mailed to residences.
Also approved was $27,000 for emergency roof maintenance.
