Traffic noise studies have been conducted on all types of pavement surfaces. The federal government has funded comprehensive emissions testing program of asphalt and asphalt rubber fumes at seven sites through the U.S. Initially reports indicate the emissions caused by using tire rubber in asphalt are no greater the conventional asphalt. The final report will be issued later this year. All asphalt plants are held to stringent air quality standards. The only noticeable difference is the aroma of heated rubber.
Many agencies engage in the recycling of paving materials.
A-R has been successfully recycled on many occasions. One of the most recent reports is by the City of Los Angeles. They also performed an air quality impact of grinding, transporting and processing the asphalt rubber. The results of the testing showed that the recycled A-R reclaimed from Olympic Blvd. Met specifications and passed all test and is recyclable using either microwave technology or conventional mix design technology.