Asphalt (Bitumen) Fumes
Overview
Highlights
- Reducing Roofers' Exposure to Asphalt Fumes. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-107, (September 2003). This guide pertains to roofers and contractors who work with hot asphalt on roofs.
- Construction. OSHA's Alliance Program. This is one of OSHA's Strategic Management Plan Focus Areas.
- Construction. OSHA eTool. Also available in Spanish. Helps workers identify and control the hazards that cause the most serious construction-related injuries.
Over a half-million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt, a petroleum product used extensively in road paving, roofing, siding, and concrete work1. Health effects from exposure to asphalt fumes include headache, skin rash, sensitization, fatigue, reduced appetite, throat and eye irritation, cough, and skin cancer.
Hazard Recognition
Provides information that aides in recognizing asphalt fume hazards in the workplace.
Possible Solutions
Provides links and references to information that aid in controlling and preventing asphalt fumes in the workplace.
Additional Resources
Provides resources on injuries and illnesses in the wood products industry
1 NIOSH National Occupational Exposure Survey, 1981-1983.