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Hampton council became the fourth municipality in the state to take a stand against coal tar use in the township, though the board stopped short of banning the toxic chemical.
Coal tar is the black liquid commonly used to seal parking lots and playgrounds. It is a potent source of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and has been linked to certain cancers including stomach and bladder.
“We have become aware of the health and environment implications of the PAHs associated with coal tar sealant, and I would prefer that they not be used within the township,” council Vice President Carolynn Johnson said.