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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

NIOSH comments on the derivation of NIOSH policy: Diesel use in underground mines by J. D. Millar, August 28, 1985

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6270801

The testimony concerned the position of NIOSH with regard to the health effects of diesel exhaust. Based on the current scientific knowledge about the health effects of diesel exhaust, with its contradictions and ambiguities, NIOSH can neither affirm nor condemn the use of diesel equipment in underground coal mines. Instead, it seems prudent public health practice that NIOSH encourage appropriate regulation of its use. Human exposures to diesel exhausts should be maintained below the levels specified in existing OSHA standards; controlling respirable particulates is especially important given the uncertainties about their potential carcinogenicity. These levels of control can be accomplished without great difficulty with existing technologies. Existing standards should be improved and broadened to assure that noncancerous respiratory disease from exposure to diesel exhausts is prevented.

Research Organization:
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6270801
Report Number(s):
PB-91-135087/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English