Number of publication:   058/2011-BGIA

Author:		Lichtenstein, N.; Buchwald, K.; Hennig, M.; Bernards, M.; Werner, S.; Hahn, J.U.; Assenmacher-Maiworm, H.; Kreyenschmidt, M.; Brodkorb, F.; Dettbarn, G.; Jacob, J.; Seidel, A.
Title:		Inhalation exposure of roofers to 2-naphthylamine and other carcinogenic aromatic amines during the hot processing of tar-based bonding compounds
Source:		Gefahrstoffe - Reinhaltung der Luft 71 (2011) No. 5, pp. 199-207, 12 lit. refs., 12 tables, 4 figs. (Language:D)

Abstract

Up until the Nineteen Sixties in some cases, bonding compounds made of coal tar products were used by roofers to waterproof flat roofs. These contained aromatic amines and particularly 2-naphthylamine, a human carcinogen capable of causing cancer of the bladder. In investigation proceedings for occupational diseases, the question of the extent of roofer exposure to these substances frequently arises. No results of exposure measurements of aromatic amines are available from the period in question, however. At the instigation of the accident insurance institutions, the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) has therefore replicated such work processes and carried out exposure measurements. The project and results are presented in this article. The concentrations of 2-naphthylamine during bonding work with roofing felt and hot tar bonding compound range from 0.74 to 1.9 ?g/m³. Concentrations of 5.9 to 8.8 ?g/m³ were measured at the tar boiler. This is the first time that it has been possible to retrospectively estimate roofers' exposure to aromatic amines.

Back to overview