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Health effects of diesel emissions
W K Morgan1, R B Reger, D M Tucker
1Chest Diseases Unit, University Campus-London Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada.
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Diesel exhaust exposure can cause temporary eye, nose irritation, and reduced lung function. While chronic exposure may link to bronchitis, evidence for carcinogenicity is weak, but small particles may worsen asthma.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diesel emissions are a significant environmental and occupational exposure.
- Understanding the health impacts of diesel fumes is crucial for public health and workplace safety.
- Previous studies have investigated various health outcomes associated with diesel exhaust exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the health effects of diesel emissions.
- To assess the evidence for acute and chronic morbidity, and carcinogenicity from diesel fume exposure.
- To identify areas requiring further research, such as the role of fine particles.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of studies examining acute and chronic health effects.
- Evaluation of evidence related to carcinogenicity and respiratory symptoms.
Main Results:
- Diesel fume exposure can cause temporary eye and nasal irritation and a transient decline in ventilatory capacity.
- Chronic inhalation may be associated with chronic bronchitis, but establishing a direct causal link is difficult due to confounding factors like mine dust and cigarette smoke.
- The evidence does not strongly support diesel fumes as a carcinogen, though the role of small particles (<10 microns) in asthma exacerbations warrants further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Diesel emissions pose risks of acute irritation and transient respiratory impairment.
- The link between chronic diesel exposure and bronchitis is suggested but not definitively proven.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of diesel exhaust particles in respiratory conditions, particularly asthma.
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