What harm does diesel exhaust do?
The oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons in diesel exhaust react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, sometimes called smog. Ozone causes a range of health problems related to breathing, including chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. The sooty particulate matter (PM) in diesel exhaust can become deposited deep in the lungs and result in premature death, increased emergency room visits, and increased respiratory symptoms and disease. In addition, ozone, NOx, and PM adversely affect the environment in various ways, including through crop damage, acid rain, and reduction in visibility.
