By breathing in diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEEEs), a worker could develop the following respiratory conditions:
Irritation of the respiratory tract – there are many substances within DEEEs that are known respiratory irritants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and aldehydes. Prolonged exposure to diesel engine exhaust emissions, especially blue or black smoke, may lead to coughing and breathlessness.
Lung Cancer – long-term repeated exposure to diesel exhaust fumes over a period of about 20 years may increase the risk of lung cancer. DEEEs contain many known carcinogenic substances i.e. substances that can cause cancer. These substances are adsorbed onto the soot particulates and can be inhaled into a person’s respiratory tract.
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