The latest edition of the Annals of Occupational Hygiene comprises three
articles on exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) among asphalt
paving workers. One article focusses on dermal exposure and concludes that
promising strategies for reducing dermal exposure to PACs among asphalt paving
workers include requiring the use of dermal coverage (e.g. wearing gloves
and/or long sleeves), substituting biodiesel for diesel oil as a cleaning
agent, and decreasing the HMA application temperature.

A second article focusses on airborne exposures and concludes too that
promising strategies must include substituting biodiesel for diesel oil as a
cleaning agent and decreasing the HMA application temperature.

A third article focusses on 'Temperature-Dependent Emission Concentrations of
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Paving and Built-Up Roofing Asphalts'. The
authors conclude that emission concentrations are driven by temperature for
both paving asphalt and Built-Up Roofing Asphalts. There are differences in
paving asphalt and Built-Up Roofing Asphalts emission concentrations that are
not explained by temperature alone; concentrations were higher and consisted of
larger ring (4 and 5 to 6) PAHs for Built-Up Roofing Asphalts as compared to
paving asphalt at the respective application temperature ranges.

More info: dermal exposure

More info: airborne exposure

More info: Temperature-Dependent Emission

AplusA-online.de - Source: The Annals of Occupational Hygiene