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Inhalation and dermal exposure among asphalt paving workers
M D McClean1, R D Rinehart, L Ngo
1Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mmcclean@hsph.harvard.edu
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|October 29, 2004
Summary
Asphalt paving workers face higher polycyclic aromatic compound (PAC) exposures, both inhaled and dermal. Recycled asphalt product (RAP) content significantly increases these exposures, highlighting asphalt as the primary source.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) are a concern in occupational settings.
- Asphalt paving involves potential exposure to hazardous substances.
- Understanding exposure determinants is crucial for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing inhalation and dermal exposure to PACs in asphalt paving workers.
- To compare exposure levels between asphalt paving workers and other construction workers.
- To investigate the role of recycled asphalt product (RAP) content in exposure levels.
Main Methods:
- Collected personal air samples and dermal patch samples from highway construction workers.
- Analyzed samples for PACs, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene.
- Included asphalt paving workers, millers, and roadside construction workers in the study population.
Main Results:
- Asphalt paving workers exhibited the highest inhalation and dermal PAC exposures.
- Exposure levels varied significantly based on task, crew, RAP content, and work rate.
- High RAP content was associated with substantially increased inhalation and dermal PAC exposures.
Conclusions:
- Task, RAP content, and crew are significant determinants of PAC and pyrene exposure.
- Exposures were significantly higher in asphalt paving workers compared to millers and roadside workers.
- Asphalt-related fumes are the primary source of PAC and pyrene exposure for paving workers.