Could Your Driveway Sealant Be Toxic?

Driveway sealants are used to improve the appearance of your driveway while also helping to prolong the surface's lifetime. Whether you have a concrete or an asphalt driveway, there are things you need to know about your driveway sealant.

Health Risks

Driveway sealant is made up of multiple chemicals. If your driveway sealant is made from coal tar, this breakdown can release carcinogenic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Not only are these chemicals bad for the environment, they're also dangerous for your health.

The way you're exposed to these chemicals is very important. There are several ways you could be exposed to PAHs. Workers applying the sealant get exposure by handling the materials.

The general public can be exposed to PAHs through dust and vapors. This means you can be exposed to these dangerous materials through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.

The good news is that coal tar-based asphalt sealants are becoming less popular. Many companies and states are starting to regulate the ways PAHs have been used.

What Can You Do?

If you're working with a professional company, you can insist that only non-coal tar-based sealants be used on your outdoor surfaces. If you're sealing your driveway on your own, home improvement stores also offer coal tar-free asphalt sealants.

Before you invest in a professional for your sealant needs, you want to make sure your driveway is clean and clear. This means you need a thorough cleaning contractor you can trust for your driveway washing project.

The experts at Virginia SoftWash LLC offer premier pressure washing for all your driveway cleaning needs. If you want to reseal your driveway, we're the place to go for your cleaning needs.

Our experts will work with you to ensure that the cleaning process won't be moving any harmful contaminants into your yard or near your home. Pressure washing is the most thorough cleaning option for larger outdoor surfaces. We'll get your driveway clean and clear in no time so you can get started on your sealing process the moment we're done.

If you're ready to start your resealing project to ensure your driveway is safe, call the pressure washing experts at Virginia SoftWash LLC and work with our professionals.