Asbestos and PAH testing of road asphalt

Before roadworks, the same core may require two separate characterisations: asbestos testing and PAH analysis. At BJL, these two stages must be organised in the correct order: asbestos testing is performed before PAH analysis.

Request asbestos and PAH characterisation

Why test for both asbestos and PAHs?

Roadworks may expose workers to different risks depending on the composition of the asphalt. The presence of asbestos concerns mineral fibres and worker protection. PAH testing provides chemical characterisation of the material and is used in particular to assess road asphalt recycling or waste management options.

These two types of information are complementary but are not obtained using the same method.

Order of testing at BJL

1. Identification of the core and its layers.
2. Asbestos testing using the service suited to the nature of the material and the applicable regulatory scope.
3. Verification of the asbestos result.
4. PAH analysis only if the acceptance conditions are met.
5. Quantification of the 16 PAHs by GC-MS in accordance with NF EN 17503 for waste bituminous asphalt covered by the accreditation scope.

BJL's currently published terms and conditions specify that, before PAH testing is carried out, the client must provide an asbestos test report for the bituminous asphalt issued by an accredited laboratory. If asbestos is confirmed, PAH testing is not carried out.

Asbestos testing of asphalt

Asbestos testing of asphalt must take into account the manufactured nature of the material and the mineral fractions it contains. BJL offers accredited services suited to different material categories. The appropriate scope depends on the sample's composition and context.

For more information, see which asbestos test to choose: scope 1, 2 or 3 and BJL's asbestos testing services.

PAH testing of asphalt

For waste bituminous asphalt, BJL quantifies 16 PAHs by solid/liquid extraction and GC-MS in accordance with NF EN 17503. Pretreatment and dry matter determination are also covered according to the references in Cofrac accreditation scope No. 1-0973.

View the PAH testing service for bituminous asphalt.

Can the same sample be used for both tests?

The quantity and packaging must be sufficient for both services and must meet BJL's acceptance criteria. The currently published sample submission form specifies a minimum mass of 200 g for PAH testing, while asbestos testing has its own requirements. Before shipping, confirm the required quantity with the laboratory if the core is small, contains several layers or is difficult to separate.

Why identify the layers of the core?

A road may have been constructed and repaired during several different periods. Each layer may therefore have a different composition. Mixing the layers before characterisation may conceal a particular layer or dilute a concentration. The sample reference, thickness and layer to be tested should be specified wherever possible.

Who is this service intended for?

• civil engineering, roadworks and utilities contractors;
• local authorities and road network managers;
• environmental consultancies and project managers;
• surveyors and asbestos inspection operators;
• project owners preparing road planing or demolition works.

Frequently asked questions

Why must asbestos be tested before PAHs?

Because BJL's current conditions exclude PAH testing when the presence of asbestos in the asphalt is confirmed. The prior asbestos report forms part of the sample acceptance documentation for PAH testing.

Does PAH testing replace asbestos testing?

No. One quantifies organic compounds by GC-MS, while the other detects mineral fibres using specific methods.

Can both services be ordered at the same time?

The project can be organised as a whole, but PAH testing remains conditional on the result and acceptance conditions of the asbestos testing stage.