Occupational Studies

For many years the industry has promoted the scientific study of any potential occupational risk to the workforce arising from bitumen fumes. Significant additional research, monitoring the production process, continues in Europe. Temperatures are strictly controlled to minimise fume emissions and in an open, or well ventilated, area there has been no evidence that vapours pose a health threat to workers.

The results of 20 of the most recent independent studies were reported at the Asphalt/Bitumen International Health Symposium, at the BG Academy for Occupational Health and Safety, Dresden, on the 7 and 8 June 2006. A further 16 studies were displayed at the Symposium in poster presentations. The full results will now be peer reviewed and are intended for publication in 2007.