International studies to compare methods for personal sampling of bitumen fumes

Abstract

A newly recommended Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) sampler, optimized for the inhalable fraction, was compared with 'total particulate' samplers currently used by five laboratories in different countries for the analysis of bitumen fumes. Using a laboratory fume generator, all samplers were uniformly exposed to bitumen fumes from typical USA bitumen (commercial Pen 65). The results show that, for laboratory-generated bitumen fumes, benzene-extractable inhalable particulate data for the IOM sampler are consistent with benzene soluble matter data from the other samplers. Direct comparison of the IOM sampler with the 37 mm closed-face cassette (USA sampler) using an identical protocol in a single laboratory gave a ratio of 1.05:1 (USA:IOM). Similarly, for total particulate matter, the standard previously recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), an average value of approximately 1 between the IOM and the five samplers was obtained. For unadulterated bitumen fumes, the geometry of the cassettes does not appear to affect entry of the particles into the sampler. Field studies may show differences in results as other factors, e.g. wind and its effect on sampling efficiency, and also particulates originating from sources other than bitumen, such as dust, are involved. These will require thorough investigation prior to the assessment of the impact of the new sampler and prior to any reconsideration of occupational exposure limits taking into account practical feasibility. Other tests were conducted on the bitumen fume samples including total organic matter, simulated distillation and polycyclic aromatic compound analysis. These additional tests were performed on the fume collected on the filter plus the volatile portion that passed through the filter and was captured on various adsorbent materials. Protocols for sample collection and analysis varied in different countries with results reflective of these differences, suggesting the need for standardization.

Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Functional Impairments Associated with Occupational Exposure to Asphalt Fumes

“…This conclusion is further confirmed by the results of multiple linear regression analysis (Table 5) and is consistent with the findings of other studies. 1,4,5,8,10,14,15 The findings of the current study are not consistent with the findings of some other studies. 12,18,19 While the exact reasons for these discrepancies are not clear, factors such as difference in the air concentration of asphalt fumes in different studies, asphalt temperature, the season when the study was conducted, air velocity, 26 direction of wind, 34 the method asphalt was scattered (manual or mechanical), the emission model of asphalt vapors and fumes, study sample size, how confounding variables were controlled, type of statistical analysis, workload, and the personal protective equipment used may explain in part, this issue.…”

“…5,8,[10][11][12][13] Some studies showed that exposure to asphalt fumes is associated with the incidence of respiratory symptoms. 4,10,14,15 Moreover, bronchitis and emphysema have been reported in asphalt workers. 16,17 On the other hand, some studies have not found a consistent relationship between exposure to asphalt fumes and decline in the parameters of lung function or increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in asphalt workers.…”

Comparison of the n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations in the atmosphere during the preparation of warm and hot mixtures asphalt for pavements

“…10,16 Different procedures to collect samples and differences among asphalt binders, sample temperature and other variables might make it difficult to compare the results with other studies. 16 Fernandes et al 17 also studied a Brazilian asphalt binder, but with a 50/70 penetration grade.…”

“…10,16 Different procedures to collect samples and differences among asphalt binders, sample temperature and other variables might make it difficult to compare the results with other studies. 16 Fernandes et al 17 also studied a Brazilian asphalt binder, but with a 50/70 penetration grade. The authors developed a method for PAH extraction in the asphalt binder by matrix solid-phase and gas chromatography, in which fifteen PAH were found in the extracts and B[g,h,i]P was the most abundant.…”

Personal Breathing Zone Exposures among Hot-Mix Asphalt Paving Workers; Preliminary Analysis for Trends and Analysis of Work Practices That Resulted in the Highest Exposure Concentrations

“…(25,26) However, three HMA paving workers had exposures that exceeded this TLV ® during a sampling day when the HMA paving crew used an older paver configured with a diesel-powered screed. These data, shown in Figure 1, are the highest three BSF points for diesel oil use (concentrations shown in Supplemental Table 2).…”