Is Roofing Tar Paper Toxic

Coal tar related poisoning has been reported in farm animals and pets.

Is roofing tar paper toxic.

Cresols phenolic compounds crude creosote composed of cresols heavy oils and anthracene and pitch. Some epidemiological studies of asphalt workers suggest that they may be at increased risk for skin lung stomach and bladder cancer as well as leukemia. Sometimes customers approach us with concerns about toxins they may have to deal with when we install a new asphalt roof. Bitumen or asphalt is distilled from petroleum and is what makes roofing felt waterproof.

A vapor barrier such as kraft paper will trap any such fumes but may not be necessary depending on the flooring material. Contamination tar paper does not pose any environmental concerns when used for its intended purpose under shingles on a roof. Most of my roof from which i collect my drinking water is 26 gauge corrugated galvalume steel which i am still happy with but over my porch roof on which i like to sometimes sleep and use as a terrace i used asphalt rolled roofing which i coated with non toxic elastomeric paint. Well i made an oversight.

Low slope hot tar roofs often use a built up roofing system that is manufactured on site using layers of felts and hot applied asphalt or coal tar pitch. But it is made with tar or asphalt which is at the bottom of the barrel in the petroleum refinement process. Some customers also want to engage in some rainwater harvesting and they are concerned about the impact the shingles will have. First paper was impregnated with coal tar.

Also known as tar paper roofing felt originated in finland in the 1870 s as a waterproofing underlayment for roofs. Rubber roofs are another type of low slope roofing system. Yes it really does smell that bad. Wooden floors will act as a vapor barrier and are often laid directly on top of the felt.

Adhesives used during rubber roofing. The hot tar is typically heated at the job site in a kettle and is the major source of fumes. Other studies have been inconclusive. Usually contractors advise home owners to stay elsewhere for a few days while their new roof is being installed.

The distillation of coal tar yields a variety of compounds three of which are notably toxic. Traditional roofing felt also called tar paper or underlayment is felt saturated with bitumen also called asphalt. However tar is a toxic product. Are roofing materials toxic.

Under normal use the product is considered stable and nonreactive. Later asphalt was used in the manufacture of roofing felt. To be safe do not use it around food producing plants like vegetable gardens or fruit orchards. Posted on may 2 2016 by blogger.

There is no direct evidence that inhalation of roof tar odors causes cancer. Felt is compressed fibers of wool. Today glass fiber or polyester fabric may be used instead of paper.