Robert Grazer

My wife and I are lakefront property owners on Silver Lake in Madison. Based on our research, and over 35 years experience working in many sectors of the Oil and Gas Industry in Houston, we believe that coal-tar sealants pose a direct threat to our property’s health and, more significantly, the health of all living things. These products contain high levels of PAHs that abrade into toxic dust; this dust is tracked into homes where it significantly increases cancer risks, especially for children. During rain, runoff carries these toxins directly into our lake, where they settle in the sediment. One example is mussels which are common in Silver Lake. PAHs impair the immune functions and reduce mussel fertility, a critical food source for semi-aquatic mammals, birds and fish. Furthermore, PAHs negatively effect our shoreline’s ecosystem by suppressing plant growth and weakening the immune systems of our resident wildlife. Asphalt-based sealants, contain 1,000 times fewer PAHs and preserve New Hampshire’s water quality. That is why Home Depot and Lowes stopped selling coal-tar-based sealants over a decade ago. In fact, coal-tar-based sealants are banned in 7 states with more to follow. Please support HB 1614 to keep NH families, tourists, lakes, water quality and property values healthy. Thank you.