PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Dark liquid. A mixture of heavy hydrocarbon residues including saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons (Reactive Groups 16, 28, and 29). Depending on the blend includes various heterocyclic hydrocarbons containing sulfur and nitrogen.

none

Insoluble in water.

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Asphalt fumes:

Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms: Irritation eyes, respiratory system; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Target Organs: Eyes, respiratory system

Cancer Site: [in animals: skin tumors] (NIOSH, 2024)

ASPHALT FUME burns readily when heated or ignited in the presence of air or oxygen. May be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring may occur followed by ignition. Mostly unreactive in other settings. Not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents.

• Hydrocarbons, Aromatic
• Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Unsaturated
• Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Saturated

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbent listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible / Noxious)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material under ambient temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Asphalt fumes:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc.

Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. (NIOSH, 2024)

No information available.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

• ASPHALT
• ASPHALT FUME EXTRACTS
• ASPHALT FUMES