WHO Concludes Occupation Exposure to Bitumens Can Cause Cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Monographs programme re-evaluated various occupations that entail exposures to bitumens and bitumen emissions, including road paving, roofing, and application of mastic asphalt.

After an 8-day comprehensive review, the Working Group concluded that:

• occupational exposures to oxidized bitumens and their emissions during roofing are ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2A);

• occupational exposures to hard bitumens and their emissions during mastic asphalt work are ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2B); and

• occupational exposures to straight-run bitumens and their emissions during road paving are ‘possibly  carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 2B).

Bitumens are produced by distillation of crude oil during petroleum refining, and also occur naturally. Bitumens can be  divided into broad classes according to their physical properties and specifications required for the different uses. The  major use of bitumens is in asphalt for road paving; other uses include roofing, waterproofing, and sealing and  painting.  Application of bitumens may generate hazardous emissions.

For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

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