Blacktop, Hot-mix asphalt, Bituminous Concrete, Bituminous Concrete

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Carcinogenicity-Category 1A Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure- Category 2

Signal word

DANGER HAZARDS OVERVIEW WARNING Unhardened hot-mix asphalt is a hot, semi-viscous mix of asphalt cement oil and aggregates. As it cools and hardens it is a black or dark gray solid material. Avoid skin contact with hot product which can cause thermal burns. Avoid inhalation of fumes from the unhardened, hot material. Hot-mix asphalt in its solid form does not present a health hazard under normal use and conditions. Avoid dust from the cutting or sawing of hardened asphalt as it may release the crystalline silica noted above as airborne particulates, posing an inhalation hazard. Long-term overexposure to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace may cause lung damage and silicosis. Crystalline silica is listed as a Group 1 carcinogen (carcinogenic to humans) by the IARC and NTP.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Skin contact of hot, unhardened material ADDITIONAL ROUTE(S) OF EXPOSURE: Eye contact and inhalation of vapors of hot, unhardened material EYE CONTACT: Contact with hot material can cause severe burns and permanent damage. Vapors and fumes from hot material may cause eye irritation, redness, and itching. Dust from cutting or sawing hardened asphalt may cause irritation or inflammation. Seek immediate medical attention. SKIN CONTACT: Contact with hot material can cause severe burns and permanent damage. Prolonged contact to asphalt may cause dry skin, irritation, itching, or dermatitis. SKIN ABSORPTION: Not expected to be a significant route of exposure. INGESTION: Hot material will cause thermal burns of mouth and throat. Ingestion may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritant and/or blockage. INHALATION: Normal use of hardened hot-mix asphalt should not cause an inhalation hazard not release crystalline silica. Hot material releases irritating fumes or vapors such as smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. Hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur-containing gases may be released at elevated temperatures. Exposure to fumes and vapors may cause irritation of the nose and throat and prolonged exposure may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination or drowsiness. Dust generated during cutting, sawing, grinding, or crushing of hardened asphalt may cause nose, throat, or lung irritation depending upon exposure level and contain respirable crystalline silica (quartz). Prolonged inhalation to respirable crystalline silica may cause silicosis. Occupational exposure to respirable dust in general and respirable crystalline silica should be monitored. See Section 8 for exposure thresholds.