by conrail_engineer
b&m617 wrote:I really liked the first article that mentioned they had checked for excess carbon monoxide, and the tests were negative. For these Eiinsteins info, a diesel engine does not produce carbon monoxide, so...** HELLO**...there was none present when tested...yah, diesel fumes will make u sick and are considered a carcinogen, but you cannot get Carbon monoxide poisoning from them.....Not exactly true.
http://www.vehicletest.state.ma.us/dieselbg.html
Health Effects Of Diesel Emissions
Diesel exhaust contains several pollutants that can be harmful to public health alone or in combination with other substances. These include hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and toxic air contaminants known as hazardous air pollutants.
* Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are by-products of fuel combustion and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone or "smog." Health effects include coughing, shortness of breath, and decreased lung function.
* Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the term used for the mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Because of its small size, fine particulate matter can be deposited deep in the lungs, where it can cause health problems. Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides are also major sources of fine particulate matter.
Recent studies have shown an association between particulate matter and premature mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and increased incidence of respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly. For adults with heart or lung conditions, exposure to fine particulate matter can cause more illness and in some cases premature death. More than 90 percent of the particulates found in diesel exhaust are fine particles.
* Hydrocarbons (HC) are formed by incomplete fuel combustion. When combined with NOx in the presence of sunlight, HC's produce ground-level ozone or "smog," which can irritate eyes, damage lungs, and aggravate respiratory problems. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and decreased lung function. Many hydrocarbons are also considered hazardous air pollutants.
* Carbon monoxide (CO) is formed by incomplete fuel combustion. Carbon monoxide reduces the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream and is of particular concern to people with heart disease.
* Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) Diesel exhaust contains 40 substances that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists as hazardous air pollutants-15 of these are considered probable or known human carcinogens. Of greatest concern are acetaldehyde, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Click here for more information on air toxics from motor vehicles (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/toxics.htm)
For additional information about health effects associated with emissions from diesel engines, you can consult the following sources:
Health Effects Institute (HEI) provides information about the health effects of pollutants from motor vehicles and other sources. The Institute is supported jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and industry. The section of the HEI Web site highlighted below provides a summary of HEI research on diesel exhaust and other pollutants. (http://www.healtheffects.org/pubs-special.htm)
American Lung Association focuses on environmental health and on lung disease in all its forms. This section of the Association's Web site provides information about the health effects of diesel emissions. (http://www.lungusa.org/air/airout00_diesel.html)
For information about health effects associated with gasoline engine emissions, click here (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/rfgheal.htm.)
