The Toxicity of Diesel Exhaust: Implications for Primary Care

Abstract

Diesel fuel and the products of its combustion represent one of the toxins most commonly encountered by people living in both urban and rural areas of the world. As nations become more heavily populated, there will be increasing reliance on diesel fuel to power mass transportation and commercial vehicles, as well as heavy machinery involved in construction, farming, and mining. The majority of patients who present to urban primary care clinics and emergency departments will have had significant chronic exposure to diesel exhaust because most use and/or live near busy streets and highways.

Assessment of Workplace Diesel Exhaust Exposure and Health Effects

“…However, on the basis of available human and animal evidence, it is concluded that acute exposure to diesel exhausts can cause acute irritation of the eye and throat; neurophysiologic symptoms including lightheadedness and nausea; and respiratory symptoms such as cough and phlegm [21][22][23]. There is also evidence for an immunologic effect-the exacerbation of allergenic responses to known allergens and asthma-like symptoms [24].…”

North American Primary Care Research Group President's Award

“…A second clinical review reminds us that diesel exhaust can also have wide ranging health implications. 20 Remembering to note occupation and the potential exposures could help family physicians prevent issues for individual patients; we also need to work politically to improve the environment for everyone. Think GREEN.…”

Optimization of an electrochemical cell with an adsorption layer for NOx removal

“…The outlet gas composition was monitored throughout the test. The NO, NO 2 and NO x concentration were measured by chemiluminescence (Model 42i HL, Thermo Scientific). The N 2 and N 2 O were measured by mass spectrometry (Omnistar GSD 301, Pfeiffer Vacuum).…”

“…NO x is dangerous for both human beings and the environment, causing heath problems [2], acid rain and depletion of the protective ozone layer [3,4]. Government regulations to limit NO x emission are becoming increasingly more stringent in many countries [5,6].…”