Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust is a mixture of thousands of chemicals, including 1-nitropyrene (1-NP). These chemicals are released as gases or particles (such as black soot) from vehicles and machinery that run on diesel fuel. Vehicles that run on biodiesel fuel produce similar exhaust.
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Diesel exhaust comes from:
- On-road vehicles that run on diesel fuel, such as semi-trailer trucks, light-duty trucks, and some buses and passenger cars.
- Diesel-powered freight and passenger trains, and cargo and cruise ships.
- Heavy-duty equipment, such as bulldozers and tractors, used for construction, agriculture, landscaping, mining, and similar types of work.
- Diesel-powered generators.
Possible health concerns of diesel exhaust:
- Can make asthma worse and contribute to other respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- May harm the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections.
- May make allergic reactions to dust, pollen, and other allergens worse.
- Can make existing heart conditions worse.
- Can increase cancer risk.
Possible ways to reduce exposure to diesel exhaust:
- When walking, riding a bike, or exercising outdoors, choose areas away from roadways whenever possible, or side streets with less traffic. Avoid busy highways and paths near train routes.
- When in heavy traffic, keep vehicle windows closed and put the air on recirculate (look for this symbol or check your manual:
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- Always start and operate diesel engines in a well-ventilated area.
- If you have a diesel car or truck, don’t idle inside garages, especially garages attached to your home.
- If you have a backup or portable diesel-powered generator, put it well away from your home, to make sure that exhaust does not come in through open windows or doors.
- If possible, use a high-efficiency filter in your home’s central heating and air system.
- Consider buying a portable air cleaner (or “air purifier”) that can remove small particles from the air in your home (see below).
- Because chemicals from diesel exhaust can collect in dust:
- Wash your and your child’s hands often, especially before preparing or eating food.
- Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop or HEPA vacuum cleaner if possible, and use a damp cloth to dust.
- Report diesel trucks in California if they are:
- Idling where “No idling” signs are posted, or idling for more than five minutes.
- Not following designated truck routes.
Call 1-800-363-7664 or fill out the form at this link: www.arb.ca.gov/enf/complaints/icv.htm
For More Information
Air cleaners for the home:
http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-07/documents/guide_to_air_cleaners_in_the_home_2nd_edition.pdf
Diesel exhaust in California:
http://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/overview-diesel-exhaust-and-health
Biomonitoring California Information
Documents, Presentations, and Publications
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New Results for 1-Nitropyrene Metabolites in Children and Underground Miners | Presentation | : Simpson_030316.pdf
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Urinary Metabolites of 1-Nitropyrene in US-Mexico Border Residents | Presentation | : Galaviz_030316.pdf
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Selected References for Morning Session | Meeting document | : SelectedReferences_March2016_MorningSession.pdf
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Diesel Exhaust Exposure and Biomonitoring: Selected References | Document | : ReferencesDieselExhaust110614.pdf
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