Skin protection measures against UV radiation and chemical agents in road construction

Project manager: Krzysztof Benczek Ph.D.

Project summary:

The aim of the task was to develop recommendations regarding selecting skin protection measures that are most efficient in protecting against UV radiation and chemical substances that are the greatest threat in road construction. Ten kinds of skin protection measures that protect against permeation of hydrocarbons in asphalt were tested. UNDEKAN was used as a test hydrocarbon. Then, the degree of protection against UV radiation offered by those measures was measured. A method of testing the protective efficiency of higher hydrocarbons in asphalt was developed. This method consists in covering yuft leather, which had been de-greased with ethanol and extracted with carbon disulfide, with the tested preparations. Recommendations on selecting skin protective measures that at the same time protect against harmful substances in tar and asphalt and against UV radiation were developed. A list was also developed on available preparations that efficiently protect against heavy hydrocarbons, which can be used as the first layer.

Unit: Department of Chemical and Aerosol Hazards

Duration: 01.01.2010 – 30.12.2010