Cutback asphalt, emulsified asphalt products and volatile organic compounds
In Canada, there are more than one million kilometres of roads and highways, almost half of which are paved with asphalt. There is also a large number of parking lots and private driveways that are paved.
Cutback asphalt and emulsified asphalt are liquefied asphalt products that are commonly used in road construction. Cutback asphalt is prepared by mixing asphalt cement with a petroleum solvent, while emulsified asphalt is prepared by mixing asphalt cement with emulsifiers, water, and sometimes a small amount of petroleum solvent. The petroleum solvent contains a high concentration of volatile organic compounds which evaporate once the liquefied asphalt cement is applied during road construction, leaving behind the cured residual asphalt cement.
Code of Practice for the Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt
In February 2017, Environment and Climate Change Canada published the Code of practice for the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from cutback and emulsified asphalt. The main objective of this Code of Practice is to protect the environment and the health of Canadians.
Information about this Code of practice
Related links
- Volatile organic compounds in products overview
- Volatile organic compound emissions from cutback and emulsified asphalt: progress report 2017
- Volatile organic compound emissions from cutback and emulsified asphalt: progress report 2019
Contact information
Products Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
1-888-391-3426 (toll free) or 819-938-4483
Email: Produits-Products@ec.gc.ca
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