Diesel engine exhaust and cancer

Diesel engine exhaust (DEE) is created by burning diesel fuels. It contains a mixture of gases and soot that cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) may stick to. These can easily travel deep into the lungs when you breathe them in. Chemicals in DEE increase your risk of developing long-term health problems, including lung cancer and possibly bladder cancer.

DEE is the second most common carinogen workers are exposed to, behind ultraviolet(UV) radiation exposure. Around 1.2 million people in Australia are exposed to DEE at work every year.  

There is a risk of exposure to DEE for anyone working with or around diesel-powered engines, especially in confined spaces. Workers in mining, construction, agriculture, transport, and vehicle maintenance are most likely to be exposed. 

Learn more about diesel engine exhaust exposure in Australia, the health risks of exposure and the control measures available to protect workers via Professor Tim Driscoll in our Diesel Engine Exhaust: Let's clear the air webinar.  
 

Airborne contaminants

DEE contains gases and soot, also called particulate matter. Other substances, including carcinogens, may stick to the soot. Because soot particles are very small, they can easily travel deep into the lungs causing a range of short-term and long-term health problems, including cancer. 

Regular exposure to high levels of soot, over a long period of time, increases the risk of getting lung and potentially bladder cancer. 

Cancer risk from DEE varies depending upon: 

  • where the engine is being operated (outside or enclosed space). 
  • ventilation in the workspace. 
  • number of engines. 
  • type and age of the engine. 
  • size of engines. 
  • fuel pump setting. 
  • engine temperature. 
  • fuel used (e.g., low-sulphur diesel). 
  • use of emission control system/s. 
  • state of engine tuning and maintenance. 
  • pattern of use (load and acceleration). 
  • length of time the worker is exposed. 

Each year, roughly 130 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer caused by work-related exposure to DEE. Not all workers will develop lung cancer, but the risk increases if you are exposed over many years or at very high levels.