Health effects of Occupational Exposure to asphalt (joint statement with Eurobitume)
This statement is made on behalf of the European Bitumen Association "Eurobitume" and the European Asphalt Pavement Association "EAPA". Eurobitume represents 22 members producing over 95 percent of the refined bitumen [bitumen is a synonym for asphalt] supplied annually in Europe - some 14 million tonnes in road uses and 2 million tonnes in industrial uses. EAPA represents asphalt mix producers and road contractors in 19 European countries. In Europe nearly 300 million tonnes of asphalt mix is produced annually. One of our joint objectives is to ensure that all knowledge and information about relevant health and safety issues relating to our products is transferred and made freely available world-wide. We would like to express our appreciation of the efforts which have gone into the compilation of the NIOSH Hazard Review which after peer review will undoubtedly constitute a useful compilation of all the available work on this topic. Discussions on health, safety and environmental issues have a global applicability and regulatory decisions taken in the USA can have a significant impact upon Europe and elsewhere in the world. Hence the reason for Eurobitume and EAPA as stakeholders to follow this review process closely and to provide the following viewpoint: We accept existing occupational exposure limits based on the potential for irritation of the respiratory tract. We would like greater uniformity in the analytical methods and parameters used for measuring exposures. The Hazard Review does not present any new evidence to support a reduction in the exposure limits to the levels proposed. The Review does not show how such a reduction will contribute to a safer working environment. A decision on European hazard classification for carcinogenicity is awaiting the outcome of the ongoing European epidemiological study among asphalt workers. In the meantime, no precautionary classification in the EU for any hazard has been considered necessary based on existing knowledge of risk. The epidemiological study addresses the risk to workers from asphalt fumes as well as the potential impact of other confounding factors such as coal tar. Occupational exposure to asphalt fumes is always accompanied by exposure to many other materials. There are a wide variety of application technologies in Europe. For example, data presented in the Hazard Review insufficiently reflect the different types of asphalt mixes, the range of application techniques, usage both indoor and outdoors, and, the use of solvents and other agents. An occupational exposure limit for asphalt fumes which does not recognise this variety of influencing parameters should be avoided. As a general point and irrespective of the outcome of the epidemiological study, we strongly support the use of good working practices and proven engineering controls to minimise exposures to bitumen fumes and to control the temperature of bituminous materials. Regarding future work, there are a number of papers referred to in the Hazard Review which indicate health effects (acute). Where adverse health effects have been observed in the past in studies of pavers and roofers, it has always been difficult to determine what is the causative agent for such effects. We believe that some thought should be given to the categorisation of potential confounding exposures. We appreciate having this opportunity to express our point of view. You can reach the European Asphalt Pavement Association by e-mail at info@eapa.org and by mail at P.O. BOX 175, 3620 AD Breukelen, The Netherlands. |