Health Impacts of Diesel Exhaust

Health Impacts

of Diesel Exhaust

Diesel engines are a part of our everyday life. They are used to

power many types of vehicles and equipment in industries such as

transportation, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and more.

When

diesel fuel is burned, it produces pollutants that can harm human health.

What is Diesel Exhaust?

Diesel Exhaust is a mixture of gases and tiny particles that are emitted

during combustion of diesel fuel.

It contains, but is not limited to:

• Carbon Monoxide,

• Sulfur Dioxide,

• Aldehydes (formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde),

• Benzene,

• Sulfuric acid,

• Trace metals (such as cadmium and arsenic),

• Nitrogen Oxides,

• Ammonia, and,

• Diesel particulate matter (DPM) – primarily made up of soot,

carbon, ash, metallic abrasion particles, sulfates, and silicates.

Who is at Risk of Exposure to Diesel Exhaust?

Anyone exposed to any amount of diesel exhaust may experience negative health

impacts. However, more exposure increases risk.

Some people who may have higher-than-average levels of diesel exhaust exposure

include:

• Those who work around diesel engines, especially if they spend time in

areas where the diesel exhaust can accumulate, such as high-trafc areas,

warehouses, and garages;

• Those who drive or ride in diesel vehicles, such as school buses or heavy

trucks; and

• Those who live and/or work near a high-trafc corridor.

It is also important to note that certain individuals can be more sensitive and have

a greater risk of health impacts due to inhaling diesel exhaust.

The people most sensitive to the health effects of diesel exhaust are:

• People with heart or lung disease;

• People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems;

• Senior citizens; and,

• Children.

This publication is issued by the

Oklahoma Department of Environmental

Quality authorized by Scott A. Thompson,

Executive Director. Copies have been

prepared at a cost of $0.106 each. Copies

have been deposited with the publications

clearinghouse of the Oklahoma

Department of Libraries.

(Fact Sheets\AQD\DHealth Impacts of

Diesel Exhaust.indd 7/2022)

Health Impacts of Diesel Exhaust

Health Effects of Diesel Exhaust

Short term exposure to high concentrations

can cause:

• Asthma attacks;

• Mild to severe headache;

• Dizziness;

• Irritation of the eye, nose and throat;

• Chest tightness and wheezing; and,

• Increased allergic reactions to dust,

pollen, and other allergens.

Long-term exposure can cause:

• Chronic cough and mucus;

• Decreased lung function;

• Worsening of heart and lung diseases;

• Increased risk of lung cancer;

and,

• Premature death.

Environmental Effects

of Diesel Exhaust

• Creates haze, which reduces visibilit.

• Contributes to formation of ground-

level ozone, which can harm human

health and vegetation.

• Contributes to climate change.

How Can You Reduce

Emissions from Diesel Engines?

• Replace older diesel engines with

cleaner and/or more efcient engines,

such as newer diesel engines or

alternative fuel engines.

• Regularly inspect and

maintain engines.

• Implement an anti-idling policy.

• Limit idle times to manufacturer

recommendations.

• Turn off engine as soon as possible after

arriving at loading and unloading areas.

How Can You Limit Exposure

to Diesel Exhaust?

• Reduce time spent near exhaust.

• Run engines outdoors or ensure proper

indoor ventilation.

• Roll windows up and turn off the

outside air source while inside a running

diesel vehicle.

• Work from home when possible;.

• Avoid heavily trafcked routes.

• Use personal protective equipment,

such as respirators, if working around

diesel engines.

• Limit caravanning – position vehicles

so tailpipes do not blow directly toward

other vehicles.

• Ride at the front of a bus, where exhaust

is less likely to enter and accumulate,

and (when appropriate) encourage

others to do the same.

• Reduce the amount of time riders must

wait near idling buses and vehicles, or

have riders wait indoors.

• Adopt anti-idling zones at

your workplace.

If you have further questions, please

contact the Oklahoma Department of

Environmental Quality’s Air Quality

Division at (405) 702-4100.

References

1 https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/les/publications/OSHA-3590.pdf

https://www.mountsinai.org/files/MSHealth/Assets/HS/Patient%20Care/Service-Areas/Occupational%20Medicine/Diesel%20Exhaust%20Exposure.pdf

3 https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/diesel_exhaust.html

4 https://biomonitoring.ca.gov/sites/default/les/downloads/DieselExhaustFactSheet.pdf

5 http://nycosh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/FS-Diesel2-2.pdf

6 https://www.epa.gov/dera/learn-about-impacts-diesel-exhaust-and-diesel-emissions-reduction-act-dera