September 2010
NIOSH Publication Number 2010-168c

Asphalt fumes

Synonyms & Trade Names
Asphalt: Asphaltum, Bitumen (European term), Petroleum asphalt, Petroleum bitumen, Road asphalt, Roofing asphalt
CAS No.
8052-42-4
RTECS No.
CI9900000
DOT ID & Guide
1999 130 (asphalt)
 
Conversion
IDLH
Ca [N.D.]
See: IDLH INDEX
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: Ca C 5 mg/m3 [15-minute] See Appendix A
OSHA PEL
: none
Measurement Methods

NIOSH 5042
Physical Description
Fumes generated during the production or application of asphalt (a dark-brown to black cement-like substance manufactured by the vacuum distillation of crude petroleum oil).
Properties vary depending upon the specific asphalt formulation or mixture.
Asphalt: Combustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
None reported [Note: Asphalt becomes molten at about 200°F.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, respiratory system; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, respiratory system
Cancer Site
[in animals: skin tumors]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: Daily
Remove: No recommendation
Change: Daily
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately

Breathing: Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0612