[Aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons in plants using bituminous materials].

Abstract

In recent years bituminous materials have been frequently used in several industrial works for waterproofing, protection and insulation of many amterials such as paper, (asphalted) cardboard, wood, etc. Constant components of these materials are the polyciclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), of which we know the biological activity and, for some of them, the cancerogenic effects. The aim of this work is to evaluated the possible risk from exposure to polycicilic aromatic hydrocarbons for workers in operations with bituminous materials. By an analytical method for the determination of PAH, we have examined the polycicilic aromatic hydrocarbons in asphalt, air-blown asphalt, tars and, then, in fumes from hot treatments of those materials. After analysing the fumes developed under controlled conditions, in laboratory, and those taken from work-environment, we have reported the results of our search.