Occupational Exposure during Asphalt Paving-Comparison of Hot and Warm Mix Asphalt in Field Experiments.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Several studies have demonstrated an increased risk of adverse health effects, including reduced lung function and lung cancer among asphalt pavers, which has been related to occupational exposure to contaminants during asphalt paving. Consequently, occupational exposure among asphalt pavers must be reduced. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA) paving on occupational exposure levels during road paving in field experiments. Asphalt temperatures when paving with WMA are usually lower than when paving with HMA due to differences in the asphalt's composition and method of application.

METHODS:

On 11 different road sections, one lane was paved with WMA and one with HMA during the same work shift under approximately identical weather conditions. The weather conditions and asphalt surface temperature were monitored during paving. Fifty-seven samples of fumes and vapor, organic and elemental carbon, amines, and respirable, thoracic, and inhalable particulate matter (PM) fractions were collected by stationary sampling. In addition, 30 samples of fumes and vapor were collected by personal sampling.

RESULTS:

Compared to paving with HMA, paving with WMA significantly (P < 0.05; paired Student's t-test) reduced the geometric mean (GM) air concentration of asphalt vapor (0.04 versus 0.08 p.p.m.), organic carbon (OC; 0.09 versus 0.18 mg m-3), and respirable PM (0.12 versus 0.22 mg m-3). Additionally, the air concentration of OC correlated strongly with the respirable fraction of PM (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS:

Measured airborne concentrations of respirable PM, OC, and asphalt vapor were lower when paving with WMA than with HMA. Because exposure to airborne contaminants generated during asphalt paving is believed to be responsible for the adverse health effects observed among asphalt pavers, paving with WMA rather than HMA may have health benefits.

• Authors: Raymond Olsen, Pål Graff, Hanne Line Daae, Ing-Liss Bryngelsson, Paal Molander, Dag G Ellingsen
• Journal: Annals of work exposures and health (Ann Work Expo Health) Vol. 65 Issue 4 Pg. 446-457 (05 03 2021) ISSN: 2398-7316 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33586763 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Chemical References

• Air Pollutants, Occupational
• Hydrocarbons
• Carbon
• asphalt

Topics

• Air Pollutants, Occupational (adverse effects, analysis)
• Carbon
• Humans
• Hydrocarbons (adverse effects, analysis)
• Inhalation Exposure (adverse effects)
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects, analysis)
• Temperature