Product Name: Asphalt
Synonyms: Bitumen, Petroleum Asphalt
Product Use: Road construction, roofing, waterproofing
Manufacturer: Refer to supplier information for specific details
Emergency Phone: Local poison control center or emergency services
CAS Number: 8052-42-4
Address: Obtain from the supplier providing the specific asphalt material
Date Prepared: See product label or supplier record for recent documentation
GHS Classification: Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Carcinogenicity (Category 2)
Label Elements: Warning; Harmful if inhaled; Causes skin and eye irritation; Suspected of causing cancer
Route of Exposure: Skin contact, inhalation of fumes, eye contact
Acute Risks: Thermal burns, irritation of respiratory tract, contact dermatitis
Chronic Risks: Prolonged inhalation linked with risk of lung cancer, chronic bronchitis
Explosion Risk: Heated vapors may catch fire in confined or unventilated spaces
NFPA Rating: Health: 2, Flammability: 2, Reactivity: 0, Specific: Carcinogen
Other Hazards: Heated asphalt will adhere to tissue, causing severe burns and injury
Substance: Asphalt (bitumen)
Chemical Content: 80-100% Petroleum Asphalt, 0-20% non-hazardous mineral aggregate, <1% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Impurities: Trace levels of sulfur compounds, hydrogen sulfide, other petroleum volatiles
Additives: May contain proprietary modifiers such as polymers, anti-stripping agents, adhesion promoters
Chemical Formula: Complex mixture of high molecular weight hydrocarbons; no fixed formula
Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL): Fumes, total particulate not to exceed 0.5 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)
Skin Contact: Immediately flush exposed skin with cold running water to cool asphalt and limit tissue damage; do not attempt to remove solidified asphalt on skin; seek medical attention
Eye Contact: Gently rinse with water for at least 15 minutes holding eyelids apart; avoid rubbing; seek medical aid
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; keep patient calm and warm; provide oxygen if breathing becomes difficult; consult healthcare professional
Ingestion: Not likely in occupational setting; if swallowed, do not induce vomiting, seek medical assistance
Thermal Burns: Cool burn area under water; cover with sterile, non-adhesive dressing; medical attention is urgent
Notes for Doctors: Asphalt should be allowed to come off naturally; skin grafting may be needed for extensive burns
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), sand, earth
Unsuitable Media: Direct water streams can spread burning material
Special Hazards: May emit toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, carbon oxides during combustion
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear
Firefighting Instructions: Isolate hazard area, cool containers with water spray from a safe distance, prevent runoff entering drains
Explosion Hazard: Sealed containers may burst if heated
Personal Precautions: Avoid skin and eye contact; do not breathe fumes; use appropriate PPE
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering soil, waterways, drains
Spill Cleanup: Contain spill to prevent spread; collect with shovel or scraper after cooling; store in labeled non-reactive container
Ventilation: Open windows and ventilate area
Waste Disposal: Dispose of spilled material in accordance with local guidelines; do not wash asphalt into water sources
Reporting Requirements: Notify authorities if large spill contaminates environment or waterways
Safe Handling: Wear thermally insulated gloves, eye protection, flame-resistant clothing; avoid inhalation of hot fumes
Handling Precautions: Use equipment designed for high-temperature operations; do not use near open flames or sparks
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed and properly labeled; store in cool, ventilated area away from oxidizers and strong acids
Container Materials: Use containers made of steel or other compatible materials
Temperature Control: Store at recommended temperatures to prevent solidification or degradation; heated storage should be monitored to avoid overheating
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage near chlorinated solvents, oxidizers, or strong acids and bases
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to limit fume concentrations in work area
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirators when ventilation inadequate or during high-temperature applications
Skin Protection: Wear insulated gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and face shield
Eye/Face Protection: Chemical safety goggles, face shield for splashing hazards
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in work area; wash hands and other exposed areas with soap and water after handling
Exposure Limits: Asphalt fumes: 0.5 mg/m³ OSHA PEL (as benzene soluble inhalable fraction), consult local occupational guidelines for updates
State: Solid or semi-solid at ambient temperature; hot liquid during use
Color: Black to dark brown
Odor: Petroleum/bituminous odor, more pronounced when heated
pH: Not applicable
Boiling Point: Greater than 260°C (500°F)
Melting Point/Range: Varies; typically 38-150°C (100-302°F) depending on grade
Flash Point: Above 230°C (446°F)
Relative Density (Water=1): 1.0 – 1.2
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in some organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Evaporation Rate: Negligible under normal conditions
Percent Volatiles: Less than 1%
Viscosity: Highly viscous; viscosity increases as temperature decreases
Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage and use temperatures
Thermal Decomposition: May decompose at temperatures above 260°C (500°F), releasing volatile organic compounds
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, chlorinated solvents, some acids and bases
Hazardous Reactions: None expected under normal conditions; violent reaction possible with incompatible chemicals
Polymerization: Will not occur under standard handling
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, aromatic hydrocarbons
Acute Health Effects: Thermal burns, skin and eye irritation upon contact with hot material, respiratory tract irritation from inhaled fumes
Chronic Health Effects: Long-term exposure linked to dermatitis, folliculitis, possible increased cancer risk (IARC Group 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans)
Oral Toxicity: Very low likelihood of ingestion; not considered acutely toxic by ingestion
Inhalation Toxicity: High fume concentrations cause headache, dizziness, nausea
Skin Sensitization: Prolonged contact can lead to allergic reactions or sensitization in susceptible individuals
Carcinogenicity: Prolonged occupational exposure to fume and mist may elevate cancer risk; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are present in trace amounts
Target Organs: Respiratory system, skin, eyes
Reproductive Toxicity: Current studies indicate no significant risk at normal workplace exposures
Ecotoxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms; large spills can physically smother and impair aquatic habitats
Persistence and Degradability: Asphalt persists in the environment; very slow biodegradation
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly; high molecular weight inhibits uptake
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility in solid state; in hot liquid form can migrate through soil, especially during spills
Other Adverse Effects: May cause chronic hazards to wildlife by coating and immobilizing organisms
Additional Information: Typically not considered RCRA hazardous waste in solid form; changes as mixed with other substances
Waste Management: Solid asphalt waste can usually be recycled; contact local authorities for permitted disposal facilities
Disposal of Containers: Empty containers must be fully drained and managed in compliance with local waste regulations
Hazard Designation: Does not qualify under most hazardous waste codes but mixture with certain solvents or chemicals can change classification
Preparation for Disposal: Cool residues prior to transport; avoid water contamination
Incineration: Only approved facilities fully equipped for hydrocarbon waste
Spill Residue: Collect and contain as described in spill procedures; dispose according to regional requirements
UN Number: UN 3257 (Hot Asphalt) for material above flash point
Proper Shipping Name: Elevated Temperature Liquid, n.o.s. (asphalt, bitumen)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous goods)
Packing Group: III
Special Precautions: Only ship in approved, insulated containers suitable for high-temperature contents
Marine Transport: Documented as non-marine pollutant in solid form, may be classified differently when hot or mixed
Label Requirement: Elevate temperature label, miscellaneous hazard label
Transport Limitations: Follow all local, national, and international transportation guidelines
Emergency Response Guide: Reference ERG 128 for asphalt or petroleum hot liquids
OSHA: Regulated as hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication Standard)
TSCA: Asphalt listed on Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III (EPCRA): Not subject to section 313 reporting; check for any site-specific reporting requirements
California Proposition 65: Contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer (PAHs present)
WHMIS Classification: D2A (Very toxic material causing other toxic effects)
Other Regulatory Information: Consult federal, state, and local regulations for additional compliance mandates
International Regulations: Check with REACH and ECHA for European requirements; GHS harmonization applies in many countries
Worker Training: Safety and health training recommended for employees exposed to hot asphalt or fumes
