What are the Health Effects of Diesel Soot?
Combustion-related particulate matter is associated with a host of severe impacts such as heart attacks, stroke, cardiovascular death (Dockery et al, 2002) and lung cancer (Pope et al, 2002) in adults. In children, fine particles are associated with upper and lower respiratory impacts as well as retardation of lung growth (Gauderman et al, 2004) and crib death. Carbon soot particles from diesel engines adsorb onto their surfaces other metals and toxic substances produced by diesel engines such as cancer-causing aldehydes (like formaldehyde) and PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.) Occupational health studies link cancers, particularly lung cancer to diesel exhaust exposures. Traffic studies suggest increased rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease and risk of premature death near busy urban streets or highways.
