subject: Research Finds That Diesel Exhausts do Cause Cancer [print this page] Leading research carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that extract fumes that come out from diesel engines do cause cancer.
Furthermore, it states that the exhausts were a major cause of lung cancer and may also increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IRAC) a body that is a branch of the WHO, built its findings on research carried out on high risk workers who worked in industries such as mining and railway workers and truck drivers.
Furthermore, it suggested that people should try to limit their exposure to diesel exhaust fumes.
In 1988, the IARC categorized diesel exhausts as probably dangerous to humans now it says that they are adamant that it is a major cause of cancer.
The panel also made clear that gasoline exhausts were most likely to be dangerous to humans a result which had not changed from the previous study in 1989.
Dr Christopher Portier, chairman of the IARC working group stated: "The scientific evidence was compelling and the Working Group's conclusion was unanimous: diesel engine exhaust causes lung cancer in humans.
"Given the additional health impacts from diesel particulates, exposure to this mixture of chemicals should be reduced worldwide."
Dr Kurt Straif from the IARC added to the discussion "For most of the carcinogens when there is high exposure the risk is higher, when there is lower exposure the risk is lower."
It is possible for people to come into contact with diesel exhausts on a daily basis, whether it is at work or through the ambient air.
The likely sources of exposure to these diesel exhausts can come from motor vehicles, exhausts from other diesel engines and from power generators.
All companies have to make sure that any on-site local exhaust ventilation systems are COSHH tested to make sure that they comply with all the regulations.
The health problems caused by these exhaust fumes have opened up a new market to companies. As a result of this, a number of fume extraction systems have readily become available to the market in Scotland and the UK to stop fumes being releases from vehicle exhausts, welding, solvents, paints and soldering.
