Pollutants generated in Asphalt resurfacing construction and their effects on workers' health

Asphalt pavement resurfacing is a common type of road construction project. During the construction process, a large quantity of pollutants is generated, including volatile organic components (VOCs), particulate matters (PM), and noise. These pollutants pose health risks to road workers. With increasing alertness of the potential negative impacts of pollution on health, stakeholders of paving industry have become more concerned about the pollutants generated in asphalt pavement construction than ever before. In some places, environmental concerns have affected the industry in recruiting and retaining young workers. This paper aims to identify the types of pollutants generated in asphalt resurfacing projects and the levels of pollution exposed by workers. Three types of pollutants (VOCs, PM, and noise) were measured and analyzed. The measurements, mostly taken at the workers' breathing and hearing zones, were also analyzed for potential health effects based on existing literature. The research results indicate that some pollution levels are quite high; however, there are great variations in the exposure levels experienced by workers. It is expected that this paper can assist the paving industry better understanding the health risks faced by workers, taking effective measures to reduce such risks, and improving self-protection awareness of the workers.