ASPHALT FUMES

TYPES

Here are some types of asphalt fumes:

• Acute Asphalt Fume Exposure
• Chronic Asphalt Fume Exposure
• Prolonged Skin Exposure to Asphalt
• Prolonged Inhalation of Asphalt Dust

SYMPTOMS

Depending on the type, asphalt fume exposure causes a variety of symptoms. 

1. Acute Asphalt Fume Exposure

Symptoms can include eye irritation, skin irritation, respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

2. Chronic Asphalt Fume Exposure

Symptoms can include chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure to asphalt fumes has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

3. Prolonged Skin Exposure to Asphalt

It can lead to skin irritation, redness, blistering, and dermatitis.

4. Prolonged Inhalation of Asphalt Dust

It can lead to respiratory irritation, coughing, and bronchitis.

DIAGNOSIS

In order to diagnose asphalt fume exposure, doctors will look at the patient’s medical background, present symptoms, and work environment. A doctor may do a physical examination and prescribe tests to evaluate lung function, such as spirometry.

The medical professional might also do tests to see if the patient has volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their blood or urine if there is a suspicion that they have been exposed to asphalt fumes. 

TREATMENT

The severity and kind of symptoms experienced determine the appropriate course of treatment for asphalt fume exposure. 

• The person may be advised to distance themselves from the source of exposure and give symptoms some time to go away on their own if they are minor and only cause respiratory or skin discomfort.
• In order to relieve respiratory symptoms like coughing and wheezing and to treat lung inflammation, this can involve the use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids. 
• Topical lotions and ointments can be used to treat skin irritation brought on by extended exposure to asphalt and ease symptoms, including redness, itching, and soreness.