Number
213-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Building and construction work
Function
Other
Process
Other
Product category
other
Application
Alternatives for bitumen products
Abstract
Alternative cold processed bituminous products for construction sealing can be identified by applying GISBAU (German hazardous substances information system for the construction sector). In this example distillates (petroleum) hydrotreated light and bitumen can be replaced by safer alternative.
Substituted substances
Bitumen
CAS No. 8052-42-4 EC No. 232-490-9 Index No.
Chemical group
Hydrocarbons
Other adverse effects
The substance is: 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light
CAS No. 64742-47-8 EC No. 265-149-8 Index No. 649-422-00-2
Chemical group
Hydrocarbons
Classification: hazard statements
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
CMR
Hazard Assessment
Substances to be substituted: Bitumens, occupational exposure to hard bitumens and their emissions during mastic asphalt work is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), according to the IARC Monographs. It fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Alternative substances: BVA bituminous primer, containing the substituted substances is classified by the producer as flammable and toxic to aquatic organisms may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. The ingredient bitumen is listed on the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC) as carcinogen a category 2B. The alternative BVT Ökotan bituminous primer has no classification according to the producer.
Description of Substitution
Most large producers of bituminous agents offer varieties of products. GISBAU – hazardous substances information system of the German statutory accident insurance for the construction industry (BG BAU) offers advice on how to choose the safest products from a chemical hazard point of view. You can find a short description of GISBAU here on pages 83-88. According to GISBAU bituminous products for construction site sealing can be categorised into seven hazard classes (product codes):BBP10 Bituminous emulsionsBBP20 Bituminous compounds, low in aromatics, containing solventsBBP30 Bituminous compounds, low in aromatics, high in solventsBBP40 Bituminous compounds, low in aromatics, harmful to health, containing solventsBBP50 Bituminous compounds, low in aromatics, harmful to health, high in solventsBBP60 Bituminous compounds, high in aromatics, harmful to health, containing solventsBBP70 Bituminous compounds, high in aromatics, harmful to health, high in solventsManufacturers of construction chemicals voluntarily label their products according to the GISBAU coding system. Criteria for product groups and codes are agreed by employers, unions and producers.Using the product codes it is possible to find alternatives e.g. for a product labelled with BBP 30, which contains the hazardous substances listed above. A possible alternative product labelled with product code BBP 10 is solvent-free. It does not require classification.An assessment of products labelled with product code BBP 10 can be found here .The alternative is a primer for dust control and improves adhesion to bituminous and mineral surfaces for walls and roofs. It can be used for exterior and interior for:• preparation and dust suppression of the surface particularly in roof area,• as an adhesion improvement for bituminous protecting and sealing coatings,• for interior as a pre-treatment prior to bonding of bitumen sheets.
Case/substitution evaluation
Solvents are readily volatile and mostly environmentally hazardous. The users of solvent-containing bitumen products are also exposed to these solvents. In order to reduce these environmental and health impacts, research and development has led to the manufacture of new products which are safer for both the environment and the user and are more efficient. A reduction of health and environmental can be achieved using the alternative product. The bituminous primer containing a carcinogen can be substituted.
State of implementation
In use
Enterprise using the alternative
Availability ofAlternative
On the market
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Authority
Contact
Accident Insurance of the German Construction Industry BG BAUHazardous Substances Information System for the Construction Industry (GISBAU) http://www.gisbau.de/index.html
Further information
GISBAU short description in EN published by EU-OSHA, pages 83-88
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021