March 2007 - Reducing Worker Exposure to Asphalt Fumes from Roofing Kettles

Roofers, particularly kettle operators, may be exposed to asphalt fumes when asphalt, used in built-up roof construction, is heated in roofing kettles. Asphalt fumes have been associated with a number of health risks and, as a result, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released publication No. 2007-115, Reducing Worker Exposure to Asphalt Fumes from Roofing Kettles that explains the risks involved and recommended control measures.

There are an estimated 46,000 small-business roofing contractors and approximately 50,000 on-roof workers that are exposed to asphalt fumes. Studies of roofers show an excess of lung, bladder, brain, liver, and digestive system cancers among roofers and workers in other occupations with the potential for exposure to asphalt. The extent to which these illnesses may be caused by asphalt-fume exposure is unknown. Asphalt fumes have been reported to cause coughing and headaches and to irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Observations of acute irritation in workers from airborne and dermal exposures to asphalt fumes and aerosols, and the potential for chronic health effects, including cancer, warrant continued diligence in the control of exposures.

In the publication, NIOSH examined two engineering controls for reducing exposure to asphalt fumes - fume-suppressing asphalt and afterburner and loader systems. The publication may be found at the following link: www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2007-115.

COPYRIGHT ©2007, ISO Services Properties, Inc.

The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ISO Services Properties, Inc., its companies and employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with either the information herein contained or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedure.