Thin-layer chromatography/flame ionization detection (TLC/FID) allows for the fractionation of bitumen into four fractions, namely, the saturates, the aromatics, the resins A and the resins B (SARAB). The technique is rapid and economical, but it lack reproducibility. The effect of chromarod aging on reproducibility was investigated along with that of the time between bitumen dissolution and it...

BACKGROUND Worker's exposure to bitumen fumes, via inhalation and skin contamination, is related to adverse effects including an increased risk of lung, stomach and non-melanoma skin cancers and leukaemia. The two major mechanisms regulating apoptosis include the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic pathway and the extrinsic pathway induced by death signalling ligands. In a previous study, we showed...