Long-Term Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Poses Lung Cancer Risk

WASHINGTON—An assessment by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s National Center for Environmental Assessment concludes that long-term inhalation of diesel engine exhaust "is likely to pose a lung cancer hazard to humans, as well as damage the lung in other ways, depending on exposure."

The report concluded that short-term exposures to diesel engine exhaust can cause transient irritation and inflammatory symptoms, and that evidence for exacerbation of existing allergies and asthma symptoms is emerging.

Supporting evidence for the carcinogenic effects of long-term exposure include occupational studies of exposed workers, animal studies, and studies showing mutagenic and chromosomal effects of diesel exhaust and its organic constituents. For the full report, go to http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea.