Health Issues From Asphalt Plants

An asphalt plant is used to manufacture a black, sticky and semisolid viscous liquid called "asphalt." The main application of asphalt is in the construction industry where it is used to glue together with other ingredients that make up the road. This material is called asphaltic concrete. It is used to pave roads, parking lots and highways around the globe. Asphalt plant is classified into three groups: batch heater, semi-continuous and continuous asphalt plants. Asphalt plants can cause health issues for people who live near them.

Toxicity

• Asphalt plants emit fumes that are known to contain toxins. Various government agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has given statements about asphalt processing plants and other asphalt manufacturing facilities throwing out air pollutants like hexane, phenol, polycyclic organic matter, formaldehyde and toluene. The exposure to these dangerous toxics can cause various central nervous system problems as well as liver damage, respiratory problems, cancer and severe skin irritation.

Carcinogenic Effects

• The trucks that carry the asphalts to and from the asphalt plants are exposed to chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as others very fine condensed particulates. Tests conducted by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services have shown that the polycyclic hydrocarbons can be carcinogenic to humans. These trucks seem to be a source of the problem. They throw out large amounts of emissions that have been considered to be harmful to human health. Another study carried out by the New Jersey agency says that the fumes coming out of an asphalt plant "may cause wheezing, coughing, headaches, nausea and, in some cases, severe irritation of the skin."

Real Estate and Health Issues

• Research conducted by the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League has revealed that the creation of asphalt processing plants near residential places has decreased the value of real estate by around 50 percent. This is because there has been a nearly 20 percent average increase in the health issues like high blood pressure, sinus problems, shortness of breath and severe headaches. The health issues surrounding asphalt plants have led to controversies, with different sides coming up with reasons for and against the production of asphalt plants in some areas.