Diesel engine exhaust

Overview

This assessment examined information regarding the possible health hazards associated with exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DE), which is a mixture of gases and particles.

The assessment concludes that long-term (i.e., chronic) inhalation exposure is likely to pose a lung cancer hazard to humans, as well as damage the lung in other ways depending on exposure. Short-term (i.e., acute) exposures can cause irritation and inflammatory symptoms of a transient nature, these being highly variable across the population.

Background

This assessment indicated that evidence for exacerbation of existing allergies and asthma symptoms is emerging. The assessment recognizes that DE emissions, as a mixture of many constituents, also contribute to ambient concentrations of several criteria air pollutants including nitrogen oxides and fine particles, as well as other air toxics.

The assessment's health hazard conclusions are based on exposure to exhaust from diesel engines built prior to the mid-1990s. The health hazard conclusions, in general, are applicable to engines currently in use, which include many older engines. As new diesel engines with cleaner exhaust emissions replace existing engines, the applicability of the conclusions in this Health Assessment Document will need to be reevaluated.

This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

• Health Assessment Document For Diesel Engine Exhaust (Final Report) (PDF)  (669  pp, 9.0 MB, about PDF)

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Document Related Link(s)

• IRIS Summary for Diesel Engine Exhaust
• More information on EPA's programs to reduce emissions from diesel engines
• Discussion Paper For CASAC Diesel Health Assessment Issues
• Health Assessment Document for Diesel Emissions (External Review Draft)
• Health Assessment Document for Diesel Exhaust (Revised External Review Draft)
• Health Assessment Document for Diesel Emissions (SAB Review Draft February 1998)