Occupational Exposure to Diesel Exhaust

U.S. industries have relied on diesel engines to power equipment and machinery since diesels gained popularity in the 1950s. Yet, only a few decades later scientists were already investigating the health consequences of operating and working around diesel engines for workers such as truck drivers, mechanics and equipment operators. Since then, study after study has affirmed that the particles in diesel fumes are not only unpleasant to breathe but also may cause heart disease, respiratory illness, stroke and lung, bladder and colon cancer and DNA damage.