Diesel Exhaust a Cause of Lung Cancer Says WHO
The World Health Organization has concluded that diesel exhaust is a cause of lung cancer, a move that could significantly impact the proliferation of diesel engine vehicles in North America.
Part of the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has reclassified diesel exhaust from probably a carcinogen to a carcinogen, and also noted that it could have a positive association with an increase risk of bladder cancer. Gasoline exhaust on the other hand, is classified as a possible carcinogen.
This isn’t the first time diesel has been connected to cancer. Back in 1998, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) came to the same conclusion, but heard an outcry from fuel producers and other industry groups, arguing that regulating diesel would cripple the state’s economy. However, this will make a bigger impact on diesel engines as a whole, since the International Agency for Research on Cancer is not only a lot bigger than CARB, but is known to be conservative with its conclusions.
The WHO did not say what the concentration of diesel exhaust is harmful, but the new ranking puts the black smoke in the same category as asbestos and arsenic and lists it as more harmful than second hand smoke.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Then don't go sniffing exhaust...
Is biodiesel included here?