Source:knjroofing.co.uk

Reroofing College Buildings: Odor Concerns and Safety Guidance

Replacing the roofs of college buildings is an important part of long-term maintenance and preservation. During these projects, certain roofing materials can release noticeable odors. This guide addresses common questions about such smells, possible health effects, and ways to minimize discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can smell roofing odors. Does this mean I’m being exposed to unsafe levels of chemicals?
Not necessarily. Many compounds used in roofing have extremely low odor thresholds—detectable at just parts per billion. The fact that you can smell them doesn’t mean you’re breathing in harmful amounts.

The odor is giving me headaches and making me feel nauseous. Should I be worried about long-term effects?
These symptoms are typically short-term (acute) reactions and usually disappear within hours once the odor source is gone. At the levels usually found indoors during roofing work, long-term health problems are not expected.

I’m pregnant. Could these odors harm my baby?
Research suggests that prolonged, high-level exposure to hot-applied roof tar fumes might be linked to developmental issues. Lab studies on roof tar extracts have shown DNA changes in human fetal cells. However, such risks are relevant to asphalt workers, not building occupants who experience far lower exposure. In addition, most modern projects use a cold application process—adhesives and rubber membranes—which may produce strong smells but are considered harmless once dried.

Can breathing roofing fumes cause cancer? What about skin contact?
No direct evidence links inhaling roof tar or adhesive odors to cancer in building occupants. Some studies of asphalt workers suggest a possible increased risk for certain cancers, but findings are inconsistent. Direct skin contact with hot tar has caused tumors in lab animals, though cold-applied adhesives present no such hazard apart from odor.

I have asthma or another lung condition. Could the fumes make it worse?
Yes. Both hot tar and adhesive odors can irritate the respiratory tract and worsen asthma or other breathing problems. Avoiding inhalation is best for anyone with such conditions.

Does hot tar produce hydrogen sulfide, and is it dangerous to building occupants?
Hot tar can emit hydrogen sulfide, but concentrations in the open air during roofing projects are far below harmful levels for occupants. Only workers near enclosed asphalt kettles may encounter dangerous concentrations.

Reducing Odor Issues During Roofing Projects

For Building Occupants:

• Keep windows closed—this prevents odors from entering more easily.

• Stay informed about project progress through updates from the Facilities Department.

• Designate a single contact person to handle communications and concerns.

• Immediately report any roof leaks during construction.

For the Facilities Department:

• Shut down ventilation systems when necessary during roofing, but restart them in the evening after work has stopped.

• Maintain clear communication among roofers, project managers, building reps, and occupants.

• Place asphalt kettles (if used) as far from air intakes as possible to prevent odor infiltration; avoid placing vehicles where exhaust could enter the building.

• Consider cold-application or non-tar alternatives before starting the project.

• If odor control is challenging, schedule roofing work during evenings or weekends, keeping air intakes closed during work and reopening them at least two hours before occupancy to air out the building.