Nomenclature
Asphaltum; mineral pitch; Judean pitch; bitumen. Description and references
Bituminous substance resulting from petroleum
by evaporation of lighter hydrocarbons and partial oxidation of the
residue. Occurs in West Indies (chiefly Trinidad), Venezuela, Dead
Sea, Switzerland, etc.
Properties
The “Syriac” asphalt (from the Dead Sea) forms
deep black, shining, brittle masses of conchoidal fracture; faint,
pitch-like odor and luster. d 1.00-1.18. Flammable. Insol in water, alc, acids, alkalies. Sol in oil turpentine, petroleum,
CS2, chloroform, ether, acetone.Caution
Potential symptoms of overexposure
to fumes are irritation of eyes and respiratory system. Potential
occupational carcinogen. See NIOSH
Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997)
p 22.Use
Making roads, roofs; making tanks watertight.