Asphalt emissions pose significant hazards to workers during road construction, potentially resulting in acute and tumorigenic health effects. The chemical composition of asphalt emissions is very complex and susceptible to various factors. Diverse analytical metrics and methods have been utilized across different aspects of asphalt emission research, including occupational health, carcinogenic effects, and environmental impact. This article presents a comprehensive summary of analytical metrics derived from prior studies on asphalt emissions, covering parameters such as total particulate matter (TPM), benzene soluble fraction (BSF), total organic matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). TPM and BSF are commonly measured for industrial hygiene purposes, while PACs or PAHs and VOCs are extensively analyzed because of their inherent toxicity and significant contribution to the carcinogenic effects of asphalt emissions. Furthermore, the paper conducts a thorough review of past testing methods for asphalt emissions, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches. In addition, it scrutinizes the factors influencing asphalt emissions. Overall, this paper offers valuable insights into the analysis of asphalt emissions and risks to human health during pavement construction, laying a foundation for future research in this critical area.
Hao et al. (Sun,) studied this question.