Real-time characterization of fumes emitted from asphalt mixtures incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement
Abstract
Asphalt production generates fumes classified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) containing a wide range of volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives. As the incorporation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) increases to meet circular economy goals, uncertainties remain regarding the influence of aged or potentially contaminated binders on emissions due to limited road traceability. While offline analytical methods provide detailed molecular information, they remain limited when addressing exposure-relevant aspects, highlighting the need for real-time measurements. In this study, a pilot-scale mixing system simulating asphalt production under controlled conditions was used to investigate six formulations (virgin aggregates or a mixture of virgin aggregates and RAP) at 140 °C and 160 °C. Emissions were monitored by an SMPS coupled to a PTR-ToF-MS operated either in standalone mode or coupled to a Charon inlet, enabling real-time characterization of gaseous and particulate organic species, respectively. A total of 43 compounds were assigned and quantified based on their mass spectra, providing a detailed overview of emitted VOCs, PAHs, and PAH derivatives. Increasing the temperature from 140 °C to 160 °C resulted in higher emission levels, particularly for high-molecular-weight PAHs and PAH derivatives. RAP-containing mixtures also exhibited higher emissions and a broader particle size range (100-400 nm) compared to mixtures made of virgin aggregates. This study demonstrates that both RAP and temperature significantly influence emission levels and composition, highlighting the value of online analysis for understanding asphalt emissions in future assessments of occupational exposure.
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BibTeX
@article{saad2026realtime,
title = {{Real-time characterization of fumes emitted from asphalt mixtures incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement}},
author = {Maria Bou Saad and Brice Temime-Roussel and Vincent Gaudefroy and Jean-Philippe Terrier and Olivier Burban and Amandine Durand and Audrey Pevere and Henri Wortham and Pierre Doumenq},
journal = {Journal of Hazardous Materials},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141991},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05775552v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Real-time characterization of fumes emitted from asphalt mixtures incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement
AU - Maria Bou Saad
AU - Brice Temime-Roussel
AU - Vincent Gaudefroy
AU - Jean-Philippe Terrier
AU - Olivier Burban
AU - Amandine Durand
AU - Audrey Pevere
AU - Henri Wortham
AU - Pierre Doumenq
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/02
JO - Journal of Hazardous Materials
DO - 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141991
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05775552v1
AB - Asphalt production generates fumes classified by the IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B) containing a wide range of volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives. As the incorporation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) increases to meet circular economy goals, uncertainties remain regarding the influence of aged or potentially contaminated binders on emissions due to limited road traceability. While offline analytical methods provide detailed molecular information, they remain limited when addressing exposure-relevant aspects, highlighting the need for real-time measurements. In this study, a pilot-scale mixing system simulating asphalt production under controlled conditions was used to investigate six formulations (virgin aggregates or a mixture of virgin aggregates and RAP) at 140 °C and 160 °C. Emissions were monitored by an SMPS coupled to a PTR-ToF-MS operated either in standalone mode or coupled to a Charon inlet, enabling real-time characterization of gaseous and particulate organic species, respectively. A total of 43 compounds were assigned and quantified based on their mass spectra, providing a detailed overview of emitted VOCs, PAHs, and PAH derivatives. Increasing the temperature from 140 °C to 160 °C resulted in higher emission levels, particularly for high-molecular-weight PAHs and PAH derivatives. RAP-containing mixtures also exhibited higher emissions and a broader particle size range (100-400 nm) compared to mixtures made of virgin aggregates. This study demonstrates that both RAP and temperature significantly influence emission levels and composition, highlighting the value of online analysis for understanding asphalt emissions in future assessments of occupational exposure.
SN - 0304-3894
SN - 1873-3336
ER -