Regan Brown
Diesel fuel is a common fuel used for road vehicles, trains, ships, and electricity generators. While it is less flammable than other types of fuel, it can still be dangerous when exposed to the skin. Diesel fuel can be absorbed through the skin and cause skin irritation, making the skin red, dry and cracked. Prolonged exposure may lead to burns and dermatitis (eczema). It is important to remove any clothing contaminated by diesel fuel and wash the affected area with soap and water to prevent further irritation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Skin may become irritated, dry and cracked |
| Burning | Prolonged exposure may cause burns |
| Dermatitis | Prolonged and/or frequent exposure may cause dermatitis (eczema) |
| Cancer | The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) states there is insufficient evidence to prove diesel exposure causes cancer in humans, but that heavy diesel fuels (marine diesel) could |
| Other health effects | Possible long-term health effects on the immune, respiratory, urinary, and cardiovascular systems, e.g., asthma, kidney damage, increased blood pressure |
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What You'll Learn
Skin irritation
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, can develop with frequent exposure to diesel fuel. This is characterised by red, irritated skin, and in some cases, a severe form of skin irritation called contact dermatitis can occur. It is important to remove any clothing that has been contaminated and to flush the skin with cool water and soap for at least 20 minutes. Washing the affected clothing several times before wearing it again is essential.
If the skin is painful, over-the-counter treatments such as aloe vera lotion can be applied. Additionally, if the skin blisters, the pain is severe, or there are signs of infection, seeking medical attention is recommended.
The health effects of diesel fuel exposure depend on various factors, including the duration and frequency of exposure, the amount of exposure, and individual factors such as age, sex, genetic traits, and diet. While diesel fuel exposure primarily affects the skin, it can also have broader health implications, including potential long-term effects on the immune, respiratory, urinary, and cardiovascular systems.
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Long-term health effects
While short-term exposure to diesel fuel on the skin may only cause skin irritation, there are potential long-term health effects associated with exposure to diesel fuel and exhaust that are more serious. The possible health effects depend on the duration and frequency of exposure, the amount of exposure, as well as individual factors such as age, sex, genetic traits, and diet.
One of the main concerns regarding long-term exposure to diesel fuel and exhaust is the increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly lung and bladder cancer. Studies have found that long-term, heavy exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung cancer in lab animals, and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) in the US has classified exposure to diesel exhaust particulates as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." The small soot particles in diesel engine exhaust (DEE) can easily travel deep into the lungs, causing a range of long-term health problems, including cancer.
In addition to cancer, long-term exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to other health effects on the immune, respiratory, urinary, and cardiovascular systems. These effects can include asthma, kidney damage, and increased blood pressure.
It is important to note that the risk of developing these long-term health effects is higher for certain occupations, including truck drivers, toll booth workers, miners, construction workers, forklift drivers, heavy machinery operators, railroad and dock workers, firefighters, garage workers, mechanics, and farm workers. However, anyone living or spending time in areas with high levels of diesel exhaust, such as along major highways or in cities, may also be at risk.
To reduce the risk of long-term health effects, it is recommended to limit exposure to diesel fuel and exhaust as much as possible. This can include limiting time spent near idling engines, wearing personal protective equipment such as respirators, and ensuring adequate ventilation when using diesel-powered machines or equipment.
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First aid treatment
If you get diesel fuel on your skin, it can cause skin irritation, making the skin red, dry and cracked. If the skin is exposed for a long time, burns may develop. Dermatitis (eczema) can develop with frequent exposure.
- Remove all clothing that has been contaminated with diesel fuel and place it away from your body and any potential sources of heat or fire.
- Flush the exposed skin with cool water and soap for at least 20 minutes to remove any remaining diesel fuel and soothe the skin.
- Wash the contaminated clothing several times before wearing it again to ensure all diesel fuel residue is removed.
- Apply over-the-counter remedies designed for sunburns, such as aloe vera lotion, to the affected area to help alleviate pain and promote healing.
- If the skin begins to blister, you experience severe pain, or signs of infection develop, seek medical attention from a physician or dermatologist.
It is important to note that the potential health effects of diesel fuel exposure depend on various factors, including the duration of exposure, the amount of fuel involved, and individual factors such as age, sex, genetic traits, and diet. Prolonged or frequent exposure to diesel fuel may result in more serious health issues, as outlined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
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Inhalation dangers
While diesel fuel exposure through skin contact can cause skin irritation, the inhalation dangers of diesel fuel are more severe and varied. Diesel fuel is mainly used to power road vehicles, but it is also used in other forms of transportation, such as trains and ships, and for electricity generation. Exposure to diesel fuel at home is uncommon, but limited skin exposure may occur while refuelling vehicles, and lung exposure may occur from inhaling liquid, for example, while siphoning a tank.
Breathing in diesel fumes, even for a short period of time, can cause nausea, eye irritation, increased blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, poor coordination, and difficulty concentrating. Inhalation of large amounts of diesel fumes can result in a coma, loss of muscle control, and heart and lung problems. A severe form of lung damage called pneumonitis may occur if liquid diesel is inhaled directly into the lungs.
Some human and animal studies have also discussed the possible long-term health effects of exposure to diesel exhaust, including lung and bladder cancer and other effects on the immune, respiratory, urinary, and cardiovascular systems, such as asthma and kidney damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has stated that the evidence is insufficient to suggest that exposure to diesel can cause cancer in humans, but that heavy diesel fuels (marine diesel) could potentially do so. The evaluation is largely based on studies of workers who were heavily exposed for extended periods.
The adverse health effects of diesel inhalation depend on several factors, including the duration and amount of exposure, as well as individual factors such as age, sex, genetic traits, and diet.
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Ingestion dangers
Ingesting diesel fuel is highly dangerous and can lead to severe health complications. The severity of the damage to the body depends on the amount ingested and how quickly treatment is administered.
If someone has ingested diesel, they should seek medical advice immediately by calling an emergency number such as 911 in the US or 999 in the UK. The faster the person receives medical help, the better their chances of recovery. It is also important to provide information such as the compound taken, the quantity ingested, the time of ingestion, age, weight, and general health status of the affected individual.
The signs and symptoms of diesel ingestion may include burning and associated pain in the mouth, throat, and food pipe. This may also affect the nose, ears, and eyes. Throat inflammation may cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing. In serious cases, damage to the digestive tract, coma, loss of muscle control, and heart and
First aid for diesel ingestion includes immediately giving water or milk to drink, unless there are symptoms indicating difficulty in swallowing, such as vomiting or decreased alertness. In such cases, nothing should be given by mouth. The affected individual should be moved to an area with fresh air immediately, and their airways should be protected. If there has been eye exposure, the eyes should be washed thoroughly with water.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel can cause skin irritation, making the skin dry, red, and cracked. If the skin is exposed for a long time, burns may develop.
Dermatitis (eczema) can develop if exposure to the skin happens frequently.
Remove all clothing that has been exposed to diesel fuel and flush the skin with cool water and soap for at least 20 minutes. Wash the clothing several times before wearing it again.
