USP BASE SHEET

Appearance/Odor

Black sheet in roll form with sand and an asphalt order Under normal use conditions, this product is not expected to create any unusual emergency hazards. Inhalation of excessive amounts of dust from the product may cause temporary upper respiratory irritation and/or congestion. Individuals affected should be moved to fresh air. NOTE: Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), an extremely toxic gas, may be emitted from heated asphalt and may accumulate in storage tanks and other confined spaces. At low concentrations, H2S is irritating to the eyes, nose and throat, and at high concentrations (>500ppm) can cause rapid unconsciousness and death. The odor of H2S cannot be used as an indicator of exposure, because the gas causes rapid olfactory fatigue, which deadens the sense of smell. Use this product only under well ventilated working conditions. Skin irritation may be treated by gently washing affected area with soap and warm water. Eye irritation may be treated by flushing eyes with large amounts of water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. In the event of fire, follow normal fire fighting procedures to prevent inhalation of smoke and gases.

Potential health effects

The primary hazard of this product is nuisance dust. However due to the large size of the particles, little exposure to airborne dust is expected. This product contains a small amount of polyaromatic hydrocarbons which have been shown to cause cancer and respiratory damage in laboratory animals. Some asphalts and some asphalt solutions have produced skin cancer in laboratory animals. No association has been established between industrial exposure and cancer. (IRAC*, PART 4, VOLUME 35). Due to size of the particles, minimal exposure to airborne dust is expected.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Primary: Inhalation (breathing dust), skin contact and eye contact. Inhalation: Irritation of the upper respiratory tract may occur. Acute exposure may irritate mucous membranes with tightness in chest, coughing, wheeziness, or congestion. 1 Chronic exposure to silica may cause limitation of expansion of the chest, emphysema. Chronic exposure to talc may cause cough, pneumoconiosis. Skin Contact: Temporary irritation (itching) or redness may occur. Contact with molten asphalt can result in burns. Absorption: Not applicable Eye Contact: May irritate eyes. Because of its adhesive and temperature features, the molten asphalt contact with eyes may cause physical damage due to adhesive properties as well as burns. Ingestion: May cause irritation of the digestive system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Exposure to dust may aggravate pre-existing upper respiratory, skin, lung or eye diseases or conditions.