OSHA comments from the January 19, 1989 Final Rule on Air Contaminants Project extracted from 54FR2332 et. seq. This rule was remanded by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the limits are not currently in force.

ASPHALT FUMES

CAS: 8052-42-4; Chemical formula: None

      OSHA proposed an 8-hour TWA PEL of 5 mg/m3 for asphalt fume. The ACGIH has a TLV-TWA of 5 mg/m3, and NIOSH recommends a ceiling (15 minutes) of 5 mg/m3 for asphalt fumes.

       Extensive evidence was submitted to the record regarding the proposed PEL for asphalt fume. Because of the conflicting nature of some of the evidence and the complexity of the issues raised, OSHA has not yet been able to reach a final conclusion. Therefore, OSHA is temporarily delaying a final decision regarding the establishment of a separate PEL for asphalt fume; however, OSHA will make this final decision in a reasonable period of time.