FR- AFSSET to conduct review of occupational risks linked to bitumen 17.05.2010
Occupational risks linked to the use of bitumen at work
The French Agency AFSSET has been requested to conduct a review of the occupational risks linked to the use of bitumen at work. Bitumen extracts are classes 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC. Benzo(a)pyrene is classified as a carcinogen Group 2 by the European Union. Other bitumen constituants are known for their genotoxic potential.
Other Member states have already conducted some research on the effects of bitumen and made some recommendations for the substitution of some bitumen products, these efforts have been followed by EU-OSHA.
Netherlands: OEL for bitumen vapours
Germany: Bitumen forum – low-temperature asphalt in “The practical prevention of risks from dangerous substances at work” (page 56) The German Bitumen Forum—Cooperation in Partnership
Finland and Denmark: http://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/53/2/139
