Teer or bitumen? Experts clarify over the black mass!

Teer or bitumen? Experts clarify over the black mass!

In an enlightening contribution by Oliver Ohmann in the BZ Berlin , a widespread error is taken up on the terms tar and asphalt, which is repeatedly propagated. Teer, a once common binder for road surfaces, has not been in use since the 1970s and was banned in 1984 due to its carcinogenic vapors. Maike Sutor-Fiedler, editor-in-chief of the journal "Asphalt & Bitumen", makes it clear that bitumen is instead used in the modern construction industry, which can be obtained from petroleum and liquefied at higher temperatures to process it for road and sidewalk repairs.

The differences between tar, bitumen and asphalt

While tar is a product of pyrolysis of hard coal and was used in the past for both wood preservatives and as a street surface, Bitumen has succeeded. This is also explained in the article by Futura Sciences where the different types of asphalt are considered. Bitumen is a viscous material that liquefied at around 150 to 180 ° C and mainly used as a binder in asphalt. The difference is significant: tar is considered carcinogenic and is no longer used on public roads, while bitumen is valued for its reliability and durability. The use of bitumen has proven itself in road construction and is now standard.

In addition, the term asphalt is often used incorrectly, whereby it can refer to two ways: to the natural mix of materials or an artificial variant with bitumen. The change from tar to bitumen in the construction industry reflects progress and awareness of health and security. The clarification of these terms is not only for experts, but also for the general public and shows how important it is to use current and correct information.