In many respects, hot mix asphalt is the environmentally-friendly paving material. First, materials are 100 percent recyclable. Virtually all of the reclaimed asphalt pavement that is removed from existing streets and highways is recycled into new hot mix asphalt. Because this recycling of it is economical, it occurs without the need for government mandates or subsidies. It also has been shown to consume less energy than other materials and systems.
Improvements in technology have been steadily reducing the airborne emissions from the production and placement of hot mix asphalt. Dust from the drying of aggregates is the major emission and is now almost totally captured and recycled.
Studies by the government and industry have shown emissions levels to be very low and have not identified any health hazard associated with exposure to asphalt fumes.
