Health Risks of Asphalt Emission: State-of-the-Art Advances and Research Gaps

Abstract

Asphalt-related emissions pose significant health risks due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect both workers in construction and the general public. Even at low concentrations, certain VOCs are highly toxic, with some of their metabolic byproducts, such as epoxides, known to cause DNA damage, oxidative stress, and other genetic alterations. The health implications are particularly concerning given that these emissions are persistent, and exposure can occur over prolonged periods, especially in urban areas where asphalt is prevalent. However, despite growing awareness, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of the long-term effects of chronic, low-level exposure to asphalt VOCs. Research to date has largely focused on acute exposure effects, particularly in occupational settings, leaving much unknown about the broader impact on the general public, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Moreover, the complex interactions between asphalt-derived VOCs and other environmental pollutants are not well understood, further complicating our understanding of their cumulative health impact. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape, starting with a discussion of the health risks associated with asphalt VOCs, supported by key findings from recent studies. It then explores the latest technological advancements in VOC detection, characterization, and monitoring, and identifies critical gaps in existing research.

Keywords: Air pollution; Asphalt; Health effects; Metabolism; Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).