5.1 Asphalt is a material used in the construction of roads and as a roofing material and sealant.

5.2 This test method provides a means of evaluating exposure to asphalt fume in the working environment at the presently recommended exposure guidelines (for example, Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, ACGIH).7

5.3 This procedure has been adapted from NIOSH Method 5023 (withdrawn prior to 4th edition (1994) and replaced in 1998 with NIOSH Method 5042) and OSHA Method 58 to reduce the level of background contamination providing better reproducibility.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of asphalt fume particulate matter (as benzene soluble fraction) and total particulate matter weight in workplace atmospheres using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter methodology.

1.2 This procedure has been adapted from NIOSH Method 5023 (withdrawn prior to 4th edition (1994) and replaced in 1998 with NIOSH Method 5042) and OSHA Method 58. This adaptation was made to reduce the level of background contamination providing better reproducibility.

1.3 This procedure is compatible with high flow rate personal sampling equipment–0.5 to 2.0 L/min. It can be used for personal or area monitoring.

1.4 The sampling method develops a time-weighted average (TWA) sample and can be used to determine short-term exposure limit (STEL).

1.5 The applicable concentration range for the TWA sample is from 0.2 to 2.0 mg/m³.

Note 1: A study has suggested candidate solvents for benzene replacement.2 A less toxic solvent for this analysis would be more appropriate, although the substitution with a solvent other than benzene needs further validations with field data.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For more specific precautionary statements, see Section 9.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.