Toxicity of bitumen

With respect to toxicity of hydrocarbon components of bitumen (PAHs) identified in asphalt fumes at various work sites, the measured concentrations and the frequency of occurrence have been low (NIOSH 2000). 

To minimise possible acute or chronic health effects from exposure to asphalt, asphalt fumes and vapours and asphalt-based paints, NIOSH recommends an exposure limit of 5 mg/m during any 15 min period and implementation of the following practices (a) prevent thermal exposure, (b) keep the application temperature of heated asphalt as low as possible, (c) use engineering controls and good work practices at all work sites to minimise worker exposure to asphalt fumes and asphalt-based paint aerosols and (d) use appropriate respiratory protection (NIOSH 2000). 

A substantial amount of information on health, safety and environmental aspects of bituminous materials can also be found in the Bitumen safety code (Institute of Petroleum 2005) and Bitumens and bitumen derivatives report (CONCAWE 1992). 

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