Statistical Modelling of the Determinants of Historical Exposure to Bitumen and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Among Paving Workers

Introduction: An industrial hygiene database has been constructed for the exposure assessment in a study of cancer risk among asphalt workers. Aim: To create models of bitumen and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) exposure intensity among paving workers. Methods: Individual exposure measurements from pavers (N = 1581) were collected from 8 countries. Correlation patterns between exposure measures were examined and factors affecting exposure were identified using statistical modelling. Results: Inhalable dust appeared to be a good proxy of bitumen fume exposure. Bitumen fume and vapour levels were not correlated. Benzo(a)pyrene level appeared to be a good indicator of PAH exposure. All exposures steadily declined over the last 20 years. Mastic laying, re-paving, surface dressing, oil gravel paving and asphalt temperature were significant determinants of bitumen exposure. Coal tar use dictated PAH exposure levels. Discussion: Bitumen fume, vapour and PAH have different determinants of exposure. For paving workers, exposure intensity can be assessed on the basis of time period and production characteristics. © 2000 British Occupational Hygiene Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.