Is Roofing Tar Paper Toxic

Are roofing materials toxic.

Is roofing tar paper toxic.

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. To be safe do not use it around food producing plants like vegetable gardens or fruit orchards. The distillation of coal tar yields a variety of compounds three of which are notably toxic. Well i made an oversight.

A vapor barrier such as kraft paper will trap any such fumes but may not be necessary depending on the flooring material. However tar is a toxic product. Later asphalt was used in the manufacture of roofing felt. Under normal use the product is considered stable and nonreactive.

Bitumen or asphalt is distilled from petroleum and is what makes roofing felt waterproof. Today glass fiber or polyester fabric may be used instead of paper. Roofing felt is made of compressed polyester or fiberglass fibers. Roofing felt is not considered toxic and is not listed as a carcinogen.

Coal tar related poisoning has been reported in farm animals and pets. The hot tar is typically heated at the job site in a kettle and is the major source of fumes. Yes it really does smell that bad. Contamination tar paper does not pose any environmental concerns when used for its intended purpose under shingles on a roof.

Also known as tar paper roofing felt originated in finland in the 1870 s as a waterproofing underlayment for roofs. There is no direct evidence that inhalation of roof tar odors causes cancer. 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.

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. Wooden floors will act as a vapor barrier and are often laid directly on top of the felt. Adhesives used during rubber roofing. During the application and curing process it can give off noxious and very pungent fumes.

Other studies have been inconclusive. Rubber roofs are another type of low slope roofing system. Usually contractors advise home owners to stay elsewhere for a few days while their new roof is being installed. Felt is compressed fibers of wool.

But it is made with tar or asphalt which is at the bottom of the barrel in the petroleum refinement process. Sometimes customers approach us with concerns about toxins they may have to deal with when we install a new asphalt roof. Cresols phenolic compounds crude creosote composed of cresols heavy oils and anthracene and pitch.