Material Safety Data Sheet: Asphalt (Bitumen)

Identification

Product Name: Asphalt (Bitumen)
Synonyms: Petroleum Asphalt, Road Asphalt, Roofing Asphalt
CAS Number: 8052-42-4
Recommended Uses: Pavement construction, roofing, waterproofing
Supplier Details: Contact information of supplier or manufacturer, including address, phone number
Emergency Contact: 24-hour emergency phone number for immediate assistance

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous by GHS criteria for its solid form; fumes and hot material may present hazards
Main Hazards: Hot material can cause thermal burns; fumes can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; hydrogen sulfide gas may accumulate in confined areas
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: None for bulk solid; consult GHS for specifics if heated
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation with prolonged exposure; inhalation of fumes could result in nausea, headache; risk of H2S exposure in poorly ventilated spaces
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing fumes; prevent skin contact with hot material; use in well-ventilated areas

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component: Asphalt (Bitumen)
Concentration: 100% by weight (may include trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur, hydrogen sulfide)
Impurities: May contain small amounts of aggregate dust, mineral fillers, or quartz depending on product type
Other Additives: May be present in modified products: rubber, polymers, adhesion agents

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; monitor for coughing, shortness of breath; seek medical help if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: For burns from hot asphalt, cool area gently with water without removing solidified material; do not attempt to peel off until medical attention is available
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; get urgent medical attention if hot material has come into contact
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth, seek medical advice promptly
Most Likely Symptoms: Redness, blistering, severe burns, respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness
Medical Attention: Always consult a healthcare professional if exposure results in burns, respiratory issues, or if burning eyes/nose/throat occurs

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide for small fires; water spray to cool containers
Unsuitable Media: Do not use direct water jet on burning asphalt as hot liquid can splash
Specific Hazards: Combustion may generate toxic gases, including CO, CO₂, sulfur oxides, H₂S
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Keep containers cool with water spray; avoid inhaling smoke or fumes generated by fire; evacuate area if large fire threatens stored product

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Isolate area to prevent unnecessary entry; wear heat-resistant gloves, eye protection, long sleeves during cleanup
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage entering drains, waterways, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Wait to cool and solidify, then shovel into containers for disposal; for hot spills, create barriers to contain flow
Decontamination: Use detergent solution to clean affected surfaces after removal of solid material

Handling and Storage

Handling Recommendations: Wear personal protective equipment; minimize direct handling of hot material; avoid inhaling fumes, especially indoors
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat, flame, or strong oxidizers
Container Requirements: Use steel or heat-resistant containers; label storage vessels clearly
Additional Advice: Keep away from food, feedstuffs; do not reuse containers without proper cleaning

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH set guidelines for asphalt fumes and hydrogen sulfide; monitor airborne levels when handling heated product
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation where fumes concentrate; maintain good general ventilation
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles for splash risk
Skin Protection: Heat-resistant gloves, long-sleeved shirt, pants, boots to prevent burns
Respiratory Protection: Respirators may be required if ventilation inadequate or H₂S levels approach limits
Hygiene Practices: Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling; change contaminated clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Black or dark brown solid or semi-solid, viscous at elevated temperatures
Odor: Slight petroleum odor, stronger with heating
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Range: 100–150°C (varies by grade)
Boiling Point: Above 260°C
Flash Point: Typically above 230°C
Flammable Limits: Not easily flammable in solid state, combustible at high temperature
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents (toluene, benzene)
Density: Around 1.0–1.5 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Autoignition Temperature: Above 400°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above 250°C, complex breakdown

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at normal temperatures and pressures during storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, strong oxidizers, poorly ventilated storage
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents such as chlorates, nitrates, peroxides
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Incomplete combustion or overheating may emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, hydrogen sulfide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Hot asphalt causes severe burns, inhalation of fumes can cause headache, dizziness, respiratory distress
Chronic Effects: Repeated skin contact or fume inhalation may cause dermatitis, chronic respiratory issues; some studies suggest occupational exposure increases risk for certain cancers (lung, bladder) due to PAH content
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation, occasional eye contact, accidental ingestion
Symptoms: Redness, swelling, blistering, nausea, tiredness, coughing
Sensitization: Uncommon, but possible with frequent or prolonged contact
Carcinogenicity: IARC classifies asphalt fumes as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B); use controls to minimize exposure

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Spilled material can harm aquatic life if particles or leachate reach waterways; low water solubility, but physical smothering risk
Persistence and Degradability: Bitumen persists in environment, slow to break down; biologically inert over short timeframes
Bioaccumulation: Limited potential for biomagnification due to high molecular weight and low mobility
Mobility in Soil: Tends to stay at or near surface; not readily transported by groundwater
Other Effects: Large spills can impact soil organisms and long-term land quality

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect solidified waste; avoid dumping liquid or hot product in water or sewers
Disposal Methods: Dispose of according to local, regional, and national regulations, usually as construction waste or industrial non-hazardous waste
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers can carry residue, handle as with product, clean or dispose of following regulations
Special Precautions: Prevent contamination of water sources and soil; re-use or recycle material when possible to reduce environmental impact

Transport Information

UN Number: 3257 (when transported hot, liquid); not regulated as dangerous goods when solid and cool
Proper Shipping Name: Elevated Temperature Liquid, N.O.S. (Bitumen when hot)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (when hot)
Packing Group: III (for hot material)
Other Requirements: Vehicles must be suitable for carrying hot materials, placards and emergency response procedures required for liquid bitumen; avoid contamination with oxidizers during transport
Special Provisions: Local or national restrictions may apply, especially for large volumes or export

Regulatory Information

Workplace Safety: OSHA regulates occupational exposure limits for asphalt fumes and hydrogen sulfide; ensure compliance with all health and safety policies
Environmental Regulations: EPA classifies waste asphalt for disposal; spills reportable in some regions according to CERCLA or local laws
Chemical Inventory: Listed on TSCA, DSL, and similar chemical inventories
Labelling: Proper GHS-compliant labeling required for storage and transport of hot products
Other Regulations: State and local regulations may restrict use, handling, or disposal; REACH or similar programs may require notification for imported/exported materials