A tale of two diesels

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Toxicology
• Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

• Two distinct diesel exhaust particle (DEP) samples are utilized in toxicological research: SRM 2975 from heavy-duty engines and a sample from Japanese automobile engines.
• These samples are investigated for distinct health endpoints, including cancer/genotoxicity and non-cancer effects like pulmonary inflammation and asthma exacerbation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration among toxicologists, analytical chemists, atmospheric chemists, and engineers.
• To advocate for comprehensive health risk assessments of contemporary diesel emissions.
• To call for increased availability of diverse and well-characterized diesel exhaust particle (DEP) and ambient samples for shared research.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of two distinct diesel exhaust particle (DEP) samples (SRM 2975 and Japanese automobile engine sample).
• Characterization of these samples in companion studies focusing on Salmonella mutagenicity and pulmonary toxicity in mice.
• Expert commentary advocating for collaborative research approaches.

Main Results:

• Companion papers in this issue characterize the two DEP samples and contrast their mutagenicity and pulmonary toxicity.
• The study underscores the distinct properties and potential health impacts of different DEP types.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive assessment of human health risks from contemporary diesel emissions requires greater cooperation across scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Continuous characterization and availability of diverse DEP and ambient samples are crucial as diesel technology evolves.
• Interdisciplinary efforts are essential for a thorough understanding of diesel exhaust particle (DEP) health effects.