IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Asphalt fumes [particulates and vapour, as benzene solubles or their equivalent] (Pt)  

French name in the regulation: Asphalte, fumées d' [particules et vapeur exprimées en fraction soluble dans le benzène ou son équivalent] (Pt)
CAS : 8052-42-4
Synonyms: Pétrole, bitumes de

Exposure Standards in RROHS regulation

Permissible exposure values (PEV)
ppm mg/m3 f/cc Notes
TWAEV - 1,5 - Pt
STEV - - - -
Ceiling - - - -
Carcinogenicity Sensitizer
Simple asphyxiantPercutaneous
Prohibited useProhibited recirculation
Minimum exposureExplosion hazard
Ototoxic

TWA adjustment for unusual work schedules

III : Weekly adjustment

CNESST – Toxicological Index Service


Analysis:

Total Organic Matter (particles and vapor)

Method: IRSST - 381
Sampling device:
Sampling media required:
#IRSSTDescription
937 PTFE filter, 37 mm, 1 µm, preweighed, with Orbo 42L tube

Parameters:
Flow rate: 1 L/min
TWA sampling volume: 250 L
STEL sampling volume: -
Remarks: IRSST Method 381 uses a sampling train consisting of a cassette designed to capture particles, followed by a tube that adsorbs vapors. This tube is directly connected to the pump using a Tygon hose. The gravimetric analysis of the filter provides a result that can be used for monitoring purposes or for statistical analyses. However, this result is not comparable to the standard. The results obtained are expressed as total organic matter, based on calibration performed with hexadecane (C16). A multiplicative factor of 1.14 is applied to the vapor-related results (see InfoLABO 2026-03). This method is based on the MetroPol « Bitumen Fumes » M-2 method from INRS (France), 2016 edition.
Principle: Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID)
Remarks: The minimum reported value (MRV) is 12 µg for the vapor fraction and 20 µg for the aerosol fraction. The analytical uncertainty (CVa) is 3,6% for the vapor fraction and 1,8% for the aerosol fraction. The analysis results are expressed as total organic matter.
IRSST. "Détermination de la concentration des fumées d'asphalte (particules et vapeur) dans l'air par GC-FID ". Méthode 381. Non publiée.