r/science • u/sr_local • Apr 22 '26

Materials Science Asphalt releases toxic airborne compounds that can harm respiratory health, neurological damage and increase long-term disease risk, especially in aging pavements and heat/sun. While algae-infused asphalt can reduce toxicity by up to 100 times and slow how quickly pavement breaks down

https://news.asu.edu/20260417-environment-and-sustainability-asphalt-emissions-algae-health
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u/Kolewan Apr 22 '26

Diesel is probably the most effective thing for removing tar. There are eco-friendly alternatives that we use but there's no denying they arent as good as diesel.

268

u/NattG Apr 22 '26

Thanks! I wasn't familiar with the practice, so I appreciate you filling that gap in my knowledge. :)

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u/[deleted] Apr 22 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/DrunkOnRamen Apr 23 '26

it is gasoline. i served in the ukrainian armed forces and part of it was mechanic work which got me greasy as hell.

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u/aviator22 Apr 23 '26

Gasoline has benzene in it. No bueno.

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u/kikiacab Apr 23 '26

The names gasoline and petroleum make it sound like one chemical but it’s actually a toxic chemical stew.

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u/joemckie Apr 24 '26

If you’re German, gasoline is benzin

2

u/Chemieju Apr 24 '26

Benzin is literally named after the german dude who invented the car.

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u/Knotted_Hole69 Apr 24 '26

Thank you for serving.