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Diesel exhaust - an occupational carcinogen?
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Diesel exhaust contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), raising concerns about cancer risk in exposed workers. While evidence is suggestive, more research is needed to confirm the carcinogenic effects of workplace diesel exhaust exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Diesel engine exhaust contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), known carcinogens.
- Occupational exposure to diesel exhaust is a concern for potential carcinogenic effects in workers.
- Existing studies show PAH levels in diesel exhaust are elevated but below those in occupations with proven excess cancer mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the epidemiologic evidence regarding the carcinogenicity of workplace exposure to diesel engine exhaust.
- To assess the current understanding of cancer risks associated with occupational exposure to diesel exhaust.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of existing epidemiologic studies on diesel exhaust exposure and cancer.
- Analysis of reported polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in occupational settings.
Main Results:
- The epidemiologic evidence suggests a potential carcinogenic effect of diesel engine exhaust.
- Data are sparse and contradictory, indicating limitations in current research.
- PAH concentrations in diesel exhaust are higher than ambient levels but lower than in high-risk occupations.
Conclusions:
- Workplace exposure to diesel engine exhaust may pose a carcinogenic risk.
- The existing evidence is insufficient to definitively establish carcinogenicity due to sparse and contradictory data.
- Further epidemiologic studies are necessary to clarify the relationship between diesel exhaust exposure and cancer.