Exposure to low molecular polyamines during road paving

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Fatty amine wetting agents enhance bitumen emulsion adhesion in road paving.
• Commercial products contain low molecular weight polyamines and alkanol polyamines.
• These contaminants are released from hot bitumen during paving operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the exposure levels of road pavers to specific polyamines and alkanol polyamines.
• To identify the presence and concentration of these compounds in the paving environment.
• To assess the potential health risks associated with this occupational exposure.

Main Methods:

• Personal and static air sampling conducted during road paving activities.
• Utilized a highly sensitive measurement technique involving naphthylisothiocyanate-coated sorbents and filters.
• Quantified exposure to ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, hydroxyethylethylenediamine, hydroxyethyldiethylenetriamine, monoethanolamine, and diethanolamine.

Main Results:

• Detected exposure levels for total low molecular polyamines and alkanol polyamines ranging from < 0.02 to 0.5 mg m-3.
• Confirmed the presence of several target polyamines and alkanol polyamines in the air samples.
• Identified specific compounds like ethylenediamine and ethanolamines as potential exposure contributors.

Conclusions:

• Road pavers experience exposure to irritating polyamines and alkanol polyamines during paving.
• These airborne contaminants may contribute to the respiratory and skin irritation symptoms reported by workers.
• Further investigation into exposure control measures is warranted to protect worker health.