Hazard review: health effects of occupational exposure to asphalt.

In 1977 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reviewed the available health effects data on occupational exposure to asphalt and asphalt fumes. NIOSH determined that the principal adverse health effects were irritation of the serous membranes of the conjunctivae and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Since them, additional data from studies on both animals and humans exposed to asphalt, paving and roofing asphalt fume condensates, and asphalt-based paints have become available. This report provides a review and evaluation of these new data, as well as other information.