Potential health effects of light-duty diesel exhaust

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Risk Anal.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1983.tb00116.x· OSTI ID:6165105

Travis, C C; Munro, N B

This paper reviews briefly the evidence for potential human health effects that may result from increased dieselization of the nation's light-duty vehicle fleet. An effort is made to put the potential effects into perspective, both with regard to projected excess cancer deaths, should diesel exhaust be carcinogenic to humans, and in relation to past use of vehicles using leaded gasoline. Certain related research needs are highlighted. Available data concerning the relationship between diesel emissions, ambient air quality, and human health are summarized. On the basis of exposure estimates and relative potency factors, the authors conclude that the best estimate of the number of excess annual US lung cancer deaths as a result of lifetime exposure to light-duty diesel particulate under 1990 conditions is between 80 and 1500. Available data suggest that the carcinogenic hazard of exhaust from vehicles burning leaded gasoline may be an order of magnitude greater, on a per mile basis, than that of diesel engines. The hazard of emissions from diesel are, in turn, probably an order of magnitude greater than that of gasoline engines with catalytic converters burning unleaded gasoline.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 6165105
• Journal Information: Risk Anal.; (United States), Journal Name: Risk Anal.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN RIAND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
AUTOMOBILES
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
CARCINOGENESIS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DIESEL FUELS
ENGINES
FLUIDS
FUELS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HAZARDS
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
PATHOGENESIS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLLUTION
VEHICLES
WASTES