Exposure, respiratory symptoms, lung function and inflammation response of road-paving asphalt workers.

Background: Controversy exists as to the health effects of exposure to asphalt and crumb rubber modified (CRM) asphalt, which contains recycled rubber tyres.

Objective: To assess exposures and effects on airway symptoms, lung function and inflammation biomarkers in conventional and CRM asphalt road pavers.

Methods: 116 conventional asphalt workers, 51 CRM asphalt workers and 100 controls were investigated.