Health effects of diesel emissions

We have reviewed the literature relating to the health effects of diesel emissions with particular reference to acute and chronic morbidity and to carcinogenicity. It is apparent that exposure to diesel fumes in sufficient concentrations may lead to eye and nasal irritation but there is no evidence of any permanent effect. A transient decline of ventilatory capacity has been noted following such exposures. There is also some evidence that the chronic inhalation of diesel fumes leads to the development of cough and sputum, that is chronic bronchitis, however, it is usually impossible to show a cause and effect relationship because of the concomitant and confounding exposures to mine dust and cigarette smoke. Although there have been a number of papers suggesting that diesel fumes may act as an carcinogen, the weight of the evidence is against this hypothesis. Finally, the role of small particles, less than 10 microns, which are frequently present in diesel emissions requires further study since there is some limited evidence that they may be partly responsible for some of the exacerbations of asthma.