Health complaints of mastic asphalt workers — Results of a comprehensive survey

Summary In May 2000, the Committee for Hazardous Materials in Germany suspended the air limit value for vapours and aerosols from mastic asphalt. This decision was associated with the requirement to provide better occupational medical care for mastic asphalt workers. Since then, about 80% of all active mastic asphalt workers in Germany have been medically examined. The current article describes the project which for the first time gives an overview of this group. The results indicate a relevant irritation of the respiratory tract and connective tissues by vapours and aerosols from bitumen.