Review and implications of IARC monograph 103 outcomes for the asphalt pavement industry

Abstract

On 18 October 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) revealed its conclusions of an eight-day comprehensive review of bitumen (asphalt) and bitumen emissions (fumes). The working group concluded that

occupational exposures to oxidized bitumens and their emissions during roofing are ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2A); occupational exposures to hard bitumens and their emissions during mastic asphalt work are ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2B); and occupational exposures to straight-run bitumens and their emissions during road paving are ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2B)

These evaluations and supporting data have been published as Volume 103 of the IARC Monographs. The IARC process is described, as well as details of the conclusions, hazard versus risk, prominent human, animal and mechanistic studies, routes of exposures and ways to reduce exposures. Implications for the asphalt pavement industry include communication to workers and product users, and potential changes in safety data sheets. Implications with regulatory agencies as a result of this hazard communication are discussed. Results encourage continued occupational exposure reduction strategies within the industry to minimise risk of this potential hazard to workers.

Keywords:

• bitumen (asphalt) emissions (fumes)
• carcinogen
• hazard identification
• IARC Monograph 103

Acknowledgements

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and are intended to promote a better understanding of the IARC Monograph findings. Hazard communications should be determined on an individual company basis.