Review of Skin Permeation Hazard of Bitumen Fumes

Abstract

The potential for health hazards arising from dermal exposure and possible uptake of bitumen fume or components is unclear. In 2001 the German MAK committee has assigned a “H-notation” to bitumen fumes. However, the assignment of a skin notation to bitumen fumes is under debate. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) concluded in 1999 that assigning a skin notation was not justified. NIOSH did not develop a conclusion on this aspect in their health hazard review of bitumen fumes in 2000. The present study aimed to update and review the strength of evidence of scientific knowledge on the skin permeation hazard of bitumen fumes among workers.

Keywords:

• bitumen fumes
• skin permeation
• hazards

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study is financially supported by EUROBITUME, Brussels. The authors acknowledge members of CONCAWE's Toxicology subgroup for their assistance and critical review of draft reports.