Recently, as the environmental protection and safety issues of building materials have received increasing attention, the potential

hazards of asphalt roofing underlayment have triggered extensive discussions within and outside the industry. The specific hazards

are as follows:

Environmental Hazards

Production Pollution: During the production process of asphalt roofing underlayment, a large amount of volatile organic

compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene are released, which aggravates air pollution, easily forms photochemical

smog, and disrupts the ecological balance.

Waste Pollution: Abandoned asphalt roofing underlayment is difficult to degrade, occupies land resources for a long time,

and may also release harmful substances into the soil and water bodies, causing secondary pollution.

Human Health Hazards

Health Impairment of Construction Workers: During installation, the heated asphalt emits a pungent odor containing carcinogens

such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of respiratory diseases and even cancer for

construction workers. Many construction workers have reported symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath after work.

Impact on Residents' Health: During the use of the roof, high temperatures cause the asphalt to continuously emit harmful gases,

which enter the room through vents, causing discomfort such as dizziness and fatigue among residents.

Roof Structure Hazards

Aging and Waterproofing Issues: Asphalt roofing underlayment ages rapidly. Over time, it tends to harden, crack, reducing the

waterproof performance and shortening the service life of the roof.

Material Compatibility Issues: It has poor compatibility with some roof materials, which may cause corrosion of metal components

and affect the overall stability of the roof.

An expert in building environmental protection, pointed out that the research, development, and application of environmentally

friendly roof underlayment materials should be promoted as soon as possible to reduce the reliance on asphalt roofing underlayment.

Relevant departments also need to strengthen supervision and improve the environmental protection and safety standards of building

materials. Currently, some regions have started to explore new environmentally friendly roof underlayment materials to replace asphalt

products. The exposure of the hazards of asphalt roofing underlayment has sounded the alarm for the construction industry, and it is

urgent to promote the industry to develop in a more green and safe direction.