What are PAHs?

PAHs are a group of chemical compounds that form whenever anything with a carbon base is burned, from wood and gasoline to cigarettes and meat. PAHs also are in objects and materials, such as automobile tires and coal tar, the production of which involves the heating of carbon-based materials. PAHs are of environmental concern because several are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or teratogenic (causing birth defects) to aquatic life, and seven are probable human carcinogens. Exposure to PAHs, especially early in childhood, has been linked by health professionals to an increased risk of lung, skin, bladder and respiratory cancers.

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1. How is coal tar regulated by the Village?
2. What is the purpose of the ban?
3. Who does the ban affect?
4. When does the ban take effect?
5. What is coal tar?
6. What are PAHs?
7. What is coal tar used for?
8. What’s the problem with coal tar sealants?
9. What can I use instead of coal tar sealants?
10. What if I want to pave my driveway myself and not hire a pavement sealant professional?
11. How do I know if a paver uses coal tar sealants?
12. Do I need to be licensed to professionally pave driveways in the Village of Deerfield?
13. How do I get a pavement sealant professional license?
14. How much does a pavement sealant professional license cost?
15. What is the penalty for violating the ordinance?
16. Who can I contact if I have questions?