Hot asphalt emits gases predominantly composed of various hydrocarbons, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Asphalt’s composition includes asphaltenes, resins, saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Due to the high-temperature treatment or extended evaporation of natural, petroleum, and coal tar asphalt, the heating process generates small molecular substances, chiefly long-chain and aromatic hydrocarbons, notably significant molecules such as naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, and benzo[a]pyrene.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are notably toxic and some are known carcinogens.
