Ameer Randolph
Diesel is a type of fuel derived from crude oil. It is used in most large engines, including those in many trucks, buses, trains, and ships. Diesel exhaust is made up of gases and soot particles, which contain harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrocarbons. Exposure to diesel exhaust is a concern for people who live or work near heavy diesel traffic, industrial sites, or ports, as well as those who commute or travel in vehicles that run on diesel fuel. Studies have shown a link between exposure to diesel exhaust and an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer. While the specific contributions of diesel exhaust to cancer risk are still being investigated, it is classified as a definite carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust is important to mitigate the potential health risks associated with it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer risk | Exposure to diesel exhaust fumes can increase the risk of lung cancer and possibly bladder cancer. |
| Exposure sources | Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban areas with heavy diesel traffic, such as along major highways and in cities. People can also be exposed at work, around the home, or while traveling, mainly by breathing in the fumes. |
| High-risk groups | Those living near industrial sites, railroads, or ports, including people in lower-income neighborhoods, may have higher exposure. Workers in or around vehicles that run on diesel fuel, such as truck drivers, miners, heavy equipment operators, bus mechanics, and garage workers, are at higher risk. |
| Health effects | Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause eye irritation and reversible pulmonary function decrements. It releases microscopic soot particles and chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can damage DNA and lead to cancer. |
| Prevention | Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust is essential; limiting time near idling engines, using personal protective equipment, and implementing workplace changes, such as ventilation, can help lower the risk. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel exhaust is a carcinogen
Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban areas. It is a complex mixture of compounds, including gases and soot particles, with varying compositions depending on fuel and engine type, load cycle, engine maintenance, tuning, and exhaust gas treatment. People can be exposed to diesel exhaust in various settings, such as at work, around the home, or while travelling, primarily through inhalation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, has classified diesel exhaust as a "definite carcinogen," placing it in the highest category (Category 1). This classification was made based on scientific evidence and studies that confirmed the potential carcinogenicity of whole diesel exhaust. The IARC's expert panel concluded that exposure to diesel exhaust fumes can and does cause cancer in humans, specifically lung cancer, although there is also weak evidence of links to bladder cancer.
The carcinogenic effects of diesel exhaust are attributed to two main components: microscopic soot particles and chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Inhaled PAHs can directly damage the DNA in lung cells, leading to cancer. Additionally, the soot particles can become lodged deep inside the lungs, causing long-term inflammation and increasing the rate of cell division, which can also contribute to cancer development.
While the excess risk of cancer in diesel-exposed workers has not been quantitatively determined, it is logical to assume that reducing exposure to diesel exhaust will lower this risk. Personal protective equipment, such as respirators, and workplace changes like ventilating exhaust away from breathing areas, can help minimize exposure and potentially reduce the health risks associated with diesel exhaust inhalation.
Furthermore, the findings from studies on nonmetal miners and truck drivers have been evaluated by independent panels, which concluded that the data are useful for quantitative risk assessment. These studies have also attempted to determine safe levels of exposure in the workplace and the environment, providing insights into the relationship between cumulative elemental carbon exposure and lung cancer mortality.
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Exposure to diesel exhaust
Diesel is a type of fuel derived from crude oil. It is used in most large engines, including those in many trucks, buses, trains, and ships, as well as in construction, farm, and mining equipment, generators, and some cars. Diesel exhaust is made up of gases and soot (particles). The gas portion of diesel exhaust includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxides, and hydrocarbons.
People can be exposed to diesel exhaust at work, at home, or while traveling, mainly by breathing it in. Exposures are highest where diesel traffic is heaviest, such as along major highways and in cities. People living near industrial sites, railroads, or ports might also be exposed to higher levels. This often includes people who live in lower-income neighborhoods. Exposure to diesel exhaust may be higher while traveling in a car or other vehicle, especially on roads with heavier truck or bus traffic. Commuting for work is a potential source of diesel exhaust exposure for many people. One particular area of concern is children’s exposures to diesel exhaust while riding in school buses, as the buses themselves typically run on diesel fuel.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and gasoline exhaust as a possible carcinogen (Group 2B) based on studies of lung cancer. Results from two recent epidemiologic studies of occupational diesel exhaust exposures among nonmetal miners and truck drivers also supported this classification. In addition, animal studies have confirmed the potential carcinogenicity of whole diesel exhaust. While the excess risk of cancer in diesel-exhaust-exposed workers has not been quantitatively estimated, it is logical to assume that reducing exposure to diesel exhaust in the workplace would decrease the risk.
To reduce exposure to diesel exhaust in the workplace, limiting the time spent near idling engines and using personal protective equipment, such as respirators, may be effective. Workplace changes such as ventilating the exhaust away from breathing areas may also be important. However, no technique effectively reduces or controls all components of diesel exhaust, and the complexity of diesel-powered equipment operated in various environmental settings further complicates the issue.
Outside of occupational settings, the increasing consumption of diesel fuel and the decline in smoking rates emphasize the importance of monitoring the potential health risks associated with diesel exhaust exposure.
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Diesel exhaust and lung cancer
Diesel is a type of fuel derived from crude oil. It is used in most large engines, including those in many trucks, buses, trains, and ships, as well as in construction, farm, and mining equipment. Diesel exhaust is made up of gases and soot (particles). The gas portion of diesel exhaust includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxides, and hydrocarbons.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified diesel exhaust as a "definite carcinogen" in humans (Group 1), specifically for lung cancer. This conclusion is based on evidence from studies of occupational diesel exhaust exposure among nonmetal miners and truck drivers. Animal studies have also confirmed the potential carcinogenicity of whole diesel exhaust.
When diesel burns inside an engine, it releases microscopic soot particles and chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These can cause cancer in three possible ways: firstly, inhaled PAHs can directly damage the DNA in lung cells; secondly, soot particles can get lodged deep inside the lungs, causing long-term inflammation; and thirdly, this inflammation can increase the rate at which cells divide.
People can be exposed to diesel exhaust at work, around the home, or while traveling, mainly by breathing it in. Exposures are highest where diesel traffic is heaviest, such as along major highways and in cities. People living near industrial sites, railroads, or ports may also be exposed to higher levels. Workplace exposure is a significant concern, with an estimated 781,000 workers (92% of employed males) in Canada exposed to diesel engine exhaust. The two largest exposed occupational groups are truck drivers and heavy equipment operators.
To reduce exposure to diesel exhaust, personal protective equipment such as respirators may be necessary. Workplace changes such as ventilating the exhaust away from breathing areas and engine modifications can also help reduce exposure.
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Diesel fumes and DNA damage
Diesel is a type of fuel derived from crude oil. It is used in most large engines, including those in many trucks, buses, trains, and ships. Diesel exhaust is made up of gases and soot particles. The gas portion of diesel exhaust is mostly carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxides, and hydrocarbons.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) based on studies of lung cancer. However, the evidence for other types of cancer is limited. Exposure to diesel exhaust fumes can cause cancer in humans, specifically lung cancer, although there is weak evidence of a link to bladder cancer as well.
Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of compounds, and its composition varies with fuel and engine type, load cycle, engine maintenance, tuning, and exhaust gas treatment. The complexity is further compounded by the various environmental settings in which diesel-powered equipment is operated.
Many chemicals in diesel engine exhaust can damage DNA, which controls the growth and development of living cells. This damage could lead to the unregulated growth of cells and possibly result in cancer. One early step in cancer development is thought to be the transformation of some chemicals, such as those found in diesel engine exhaust, into substances that react with DNA. These combinations of chemicals and DNA, known as DNA adducts, may change the genetic message and lead to cancer.
High doses of inhaled diesel engine exhaust have been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Results from animal studies have confirmed the potential carcinogenicity of whole diesel exhaust. Studies have shown that inhalation of diesel exhaust may cause irritation of the eyes and reversible decrements in pulmonary function.
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Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of compounds, and its composition varies with fuel and engine type, load cycle, engine maintenance, tuning, and exhaust gas treatment. Diesel exhaust is made up of gases and soot particles, which are made up of many different substances. The gas portion of diesel exhaust includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxides, and hydrocarbons.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans, based on studies of lung cancer. Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust is important for human health and the environment. Here are some ways to reduce exposure to diesel exhaust:
Workplace Changes
If you are exposed to diesel exhaust at work, there are ways to reduce your exposure. Limiting the time spent near idling engines and ventilating the exhaust away from breathing areas can help lower exposure. Personal protective equipment, such as respirators, may also be necessary. Consult your company's safety and health manager for more information on workplace protection programs.
Governmental Regulations and Programs
Laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act aim to reduce diesel emissions from trucks and large engines, lowering public exposure. The EPA's Clean School Bus Program provides funding to replace older buses with zero-emission and low-emission models, improving air quality for students and staff. The EPA also offers funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions from existing engines.
Individual Precautions
If you are exposed to diesel exhaust in your environment, try to avoid spending time near large sources such as trucks and buses. Working from home may be an option to reduce exposure, especially during commutes.
Fuel and Engine Modifications
Engineering control techniques, fuel and engine modifications, and exhaust treatment can help reduce the production or toxicity of diesel engine emissions. While no single technique effectively controls all components of diesel exhaust, improvements in fuel economy and idle reduction strategies can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from diesel engines.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel exhaust has been classified as a 'definite carcinogen' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Diesel exhaust is made up of gases and soot particles, which can cause cancer, specifically lung cancer.
Exposure to diesel exhaust occurs through inhalation of diesel fumes in the air. This can happen at work, around the home, or while traveling. People who live near major highways, industrial sites, railroads, or ports may be exposed to higher levels of diesel exhaust.
In addition to an increased risk of lung cancer, exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to irritation of the eyes and reversible decrements in pulmonary function. It is also a major contributor to air pollution and has been linked to cardiovascular disease.
