Bitumen reclassification option concerns highways teams

The Highways Term Maintenance Association (HTMA) has flagged up concerns about the proposed reclassification of bitumen as a carcinogenic when it is in a hot mix. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is expected to report shortly on bitumen classification which could see a change from 'class 3' (insufficient knowledge) or 'class 2' which would imply restrictions on use.

The 4245 Highways Term Maintenance Association (HTMA) has flagged up concerns about the proposed reclassification of bitumen as a carcinogenic when it is in a hot mix.

The 4246 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is expected to report shortly on bitumen classification which could see a change from 'class 3' (insufficient knowledge) or 'class 2' which would imply restrictions on use.

HTMA, which represents maintenance industry service providers, says that greater restriction would have cost implications, as the cost per tonne would rise and there would need to be a change to warm-mix and low temperature asphalt.