Ameer Randolph
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte advised the public that diesel could be used to disinfect masks and surfaces. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, diesel fuel is incredibly toxic and contains benzene, a known carcinogen, as well as toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes, which can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces does not include diesel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can diesel fuel be used as a disinfectant? | No, there is no proof that diesel can be used as a disinfectant. |
| Diesel fuel as a disinfectant for COVID-19 | Diesel fuel has not been shown to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. |
| Health risks of using diesel fuel as a disinfectant | Inhaling and having prolonged contact with diesel fuel can be harmful to one's health. It may cause skin irritation, chemical pneumonitis, liver or kidney damage, and cancer. |
| Official recommendations on using diesel fuel as a disinfectant | Health organizations do not recommend using diesel fuel as a disinfectant. |
| Alternatives to diesel fuel for disinfection | Recommended alternatives for disinfection include alcohol, Lysol, and soap and water. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel is not an effective disinfectant
The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces does not include diesel. Instead, the EPA has released guidelines for regulating the use of diesel fuel in fracking fluid under the Safe Drinking Water Act, as diesel fuel is known to be hazardous to human health.
Diesel exhaust has been classified as "carcinogenic to humans" by the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Diesel exhaust is a cause of lung cancer and increases the risk of bladder cancer. It contains benzene, a known carcinogen, as well as toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes, which can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
In addition to the health risks, diesel is also flammable, and improper storage or use can lead to fires and burn injuries. Prolonged skin contact with liquid diesel can cause irritation and dermatitis, and first and second-degree skin burns can occur from continuous contact with liquid diesel for several hours.
Overall, diesel fuel is not an effective disinfectant and can be harmful to human health and the environment. It is important to follow the recommendations of health organizations and use approved disinfectants to protect against viruses and bacteria.
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Diesel fuel is harmful to human health
There is no evidence that diesel fuel can be used as a disinfectant. In fact, diesel fuel is harmful to human health. The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces does not include diesel fuel.
Diesel exhaust is a mixture of gases and particulates produced during the combustion of diesel fuel. The very small particles are known as diesel particulate matter (DPM), which consists primarily of solid elemental carbon (EC) cores with organic carbon (OC) compounds adhered to their surfaces. The organic carbon includes polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), some of which cause cancer in animal studies. Workers exposed to diesel exhaust face health risks ranging from irritation of the eyes and nose, headaches, and nausea to respiratory disease and lung cancer.
Exposure to diesel exhaust can also lead to serious health conditions like asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It can also worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. These conditions can result in increased numbers of emergency room visits, hospital admissions, absences from work and school, and even premature deaths.
Additionally, diesel fuel exposure through the skin or eyes, ingestion, or inhalation can cause health problems such as irritation or burns of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes (i.e., the tissues in the nose, eyes, mouth, throat), headache, weakness, blurred vision, dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, convulsions, and chemical pneumonitis (when liquid diesel is inhaled into the lungs and causes damage). Long-term exposure to diesel fuel may also increase the risk of cancer.
In summary, diesel fuel is not a disinfectant and should not be used as such. It is harmful to human health and can cause serious health problems, including respiratory issues and an increased risk of cancer.
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Diesel exhaust is carcinogenic
There is no proof that diesel fuel can disinfect surfaces, skin, or masks. Inhaling and having prolonged contact with diesel can be harmful to one's health. The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces does not include diesel.
Diesel exhaust, on the other hand, has been classified as "carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based on sufficient evidence of its link to lung cancer. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has also classified exposure to diesel exhaust particulates as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". This classification is based on limited evidence from human studies and supporting evidence from lab studies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also classifies diesel exhaust as "likely to be carcinogenic to humans".
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a part of the CDC, has determined that diesel exhaust is a "potential occupational carcinogen". This recommendation is based on findings of carcinogenic and tumorigenic responses in rats and mice exposed to whole diesel exhaust. The Health Effects Institute (HEI) convened an independent panel of scientists to evaluate the findings from two new studies of nonmetal miners and truck drivers. The panel concluded that the data were useful for quantitative risk assessment.
Several national and international agencies study substances in the environment to determine if they can cause cancer. The American Cancer Society looks to these organizations to evaluate the risks based on evidence from lab, animal, and human research studies. While some studies have found possible links between diesel exhaust and cancer, others have not. More research is needed to confirm the link.
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Diesel fuel is used in fracking fluid
Diesel fuel cannot be used as a disinfectant. There is no proof that diesel can disinfect surfaces, skin, or masks. In fact, prolonged contact with diesel can be harmful to one's health.
Diesel fuel is, however, used in fracking fluid. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used to extract natural gas or oil from shale and other forms of "tight" rock. In the 21st century, the use of slickwater, a mix of water, sand, and chemicals, as a fracturing fluid, helped spark fracking's current boom.
The use of diesel fuel in fracking fluid is controversial. Diesel fuel is incredibly toxic and contains benzene, a known carcinogen, as well as toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes, which can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. In 2011, a congressional investigation found that between 2005 and 2009, 12 companies had injected about 32 million gallons of diesel fuel or fracking fluids containing diesel fuel in wells in 19 states. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires drilling companies to obtain permits when they intend to use diesel fuel in their fracking operations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released guidelines to regulate the use of diesel fuel in fracking fluid under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
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Diesel fuel prices and supply
Diesel fuel should not be used as a disinfectant. There is no proof that diesel can disinfect surfaces, skin, or masks. Inhaling and having prolonged contact with diesel can be harmful to one's health.
Now, let's discuss diesel fuel prices and supply.
Diesel Fuel Prices
The price of diesel fuel varies across different regions and is influenced by various factors, including the global price of crude oil and the exchange rate between currencies, such as the dollar and sterling. For example, in the United States, the AAA National Average price for diesel fuel as of June 17, 2025, was $3.167. Prices ranged from a high of $4.647 to a low of $2.670 across different states, with Vermont ($3.081) and New Jersey ($3.077) among the lowest and Rhode Island ($2.995) and Connecticut ($3.110) with slightly higher prices.
In the United Kingdom, organizations like RAC Fuel Watch provide insights into diesel fuel pricing. They monitor wholesale prices and pump prices daily, covering major supermarkets and other brands. However, it's important to note that the retailer in charge of prices may not always be the one displayed on the forecourt, which can affect the price consumers pay.
Diesel Fuel Supply
The supply of diesel fuel is closely tied to the production, refining, and reserves of crude oil and diesel. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides regular updates on gasoline and diesel fuel, releasing reports weekly and announcing upcoming release dates for new data.
In summary, while diesel fuel prices fluctuate based on various economic factors and vary by region, it is essential to recognize that diesel fuel is not a disinfectant and can be harmful if used for that purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Diesel fuel should not be used as a disinfectant. There is no evidence that it can disinfect surfaces, skin, or masks.
Yes, diesel fuel is incredibly toxic and harmful to human health. It contains benzene, a known carcinogen, as well as toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes, which can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Using diesel fuel as a disinfectant can lead to chemical irritation and bodily damage, increasing the risk of burns. It is also flammable, and improper storage or use can lead to fires and burn injuries.
Recommended disinfectants include alcohol and Lysol. For disinfecting masks, soap and water can be used, followed by air-drying.
