13.06.12
Exhaust fumes are carcinogenic – WHO
Diesel exhaust can cause cancer, the World Health Organisation has declared. This could make diesel fumes as important a public health threat as passive smoking, or asbestos.
The raised status from ‘probable carcinogen’ to ‘carcinogen’ recognises that while the risk is relatively small, many people are exposed to the fumes every day. This includes pedestrians, ship passengers and crew, rail workers and truck drivers.
The risk depends on genetic factors as well as the amount and length of time of exposure to diesel exhausts.
Kurt Straif, director of the IARC department that evaluates cancer risks, said: “It’s on the same order of magnitude as passive smoking. This could be another big push for countries to clean up exhaust from diesel engines.”
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer ResearchUK, said: “This report, from an international panel of experts, sends a clear message that diesel fumes can cause lung cancer. The evidence of harmful health effects of diesel, particularly for people exposed to high levels through their jobs, has been accumulating for many years. But, the overall number of lung cancers caused by diesel fumes is likely to be a fraction of those caused by smoking tobacco.
“In the UK there are already guidelines in place to protect employees from the harmful effects of diesel fumes. Employers and workers should take appropriate action to minimise exposure in the workplace.”
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