Is Roof Tar Toxic To Breathe

Find out what the materials in the tar mixture are.

Is roof tar toxic to breathe.

Workers exposed to asphalt fumes are at risk of developing headaches rashes cough and possibly cancer. Odors from rubber roof adhesives have a sweet organic odor solvent odor that people begin to smell when the concentration in air is much higher. Over a half million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt a petroleum product used extensively in road paving roofing siding and concrete work. Thus if using elastomeric paints it is important to get a paint without biocides.

However tar is an unsustainable product. Can hot roof tar produce hydrogen sulfide. When hot asphalt is applied in a molten state it generates toxic fumes. People with asthma should avoid breathing roof tar fumes.

Many elastomeric paints are toxic as they contain biocides to inhibit growth of moss and fungi on the roof. Roofing tar will also protect your roof from wind and from snow and water which can collect on a flat roof. But asphalt is also inert when it s cool. 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.

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. For the most part asphalt only releases fumes which could harm humans when it is heated. Asphalt is a petroleum product so obviously you don t want to eat it or inhale deep breaths of hot asphalt fumes. Will it be at levels high enough to affect building occupants.

Yes the roof tars can irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate the condition of a person with asthma or other lung conditions.