Is Roof Tar Toxic To Breathe

Over a half million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt a petroleum product used extensively in road paving roofing siding and concrete work.

Is roof tar toxic to breathe.

Can hot roof tar produce hydrogen sulfide. When hot asphalt is applied in a molten state it generates toxic fumes. Find out what the materials in the tar mixture are. Using hot roofing tar can easily cause odor complaints because the odor is strong pungent and can be smelled at very low concentrations in the air.

Will it be at levels high enough to affect building occupants. If you have a reaction such as difficulty breathing sinus congestion and headache etc yes call local health agency and epa to ask about this. But asphalt is also inert when it s cool. Roofing tar will also protect your roof from wind and from snow and water which can collect on a flat roof.

Asphalt is a petroleum product so obviously you don t want to eat it or inhale deep breaths of hot asphalt fumes. Thus if using elastomeric paints it is important to get a paint without biocides. However tar is an unsustainable product. For the most part asphalt only releases fumes which could harm humans when it is heated.

Roofing tar is a good choice for a flat roof as this kind of material is highly resistant to the ultraviolet rays from the sun. See here for more. Many elastomeric paints are toxic as they contain biocides to inhibit growth of moss and fungi on the roof. Yes the roof tars can irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate the condition of a person with asthma or other lung conditions.

People with asthma should avoid breathing roof tar fumes.