Volatile Organic Compounds Generated in Asphalt Pavement Construction and Their Health Effects on Workers
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140, Issue 2
Abstract
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a major construction material used for building roads, airport runways, and parking lots. During HMA construction, a massive amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is emitted from the hot asphalt mixtures, creating a potential health risk to on-site workers. Few studies have quantitatively investigated the constituents and potential health effects of the VOCs generated in HMA pavement construction. This paper presents the results of a study in which air samples were collected at multiple locations and time points of several projects during HMA pavement construction and were subsequently characterized for their chemical compositions and concentrations by using gas chromatography/mass selective detector (GC/MSD). The analysis results are compared with occupational exposure limits mandated or recommended by various agencies. Although the individual concentrations of the identified chemicals were found to be below various exposure limits, their collective effect on human health remains unknown and may not be ignored. This paper contributes to the knowledge of the types and concentrations of VOCs generated in asphalt pavement construction, their potential health risks to workers, and possible mitigation measures.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Highways Department of Hong Kong for supporting this study and to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Project No. 1-ZV8H) for an internal funding support.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140 • Issue 2 • February 2014
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 9, 2013
Accepted: Oct 1, 2013
Published online: Nov 26, 2013
Published in print: Feb 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Apr 26, 2014
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