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Introduction

Diesel engines are widely used for transport and power-supply and, therefore, occupational exposure to diesel exhaust is common. In 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans, mainly based on the increased lung cancer risk observed in epidemiological studies. In recent years, tightened emission regulations in the EU and other parts of the world have caused a significant evolution of diesel technologies, resulting in a change in the emission and composition of the exhaust. The present article reviews the health effects of diesel exhaust, exposure at workplaces and the means available to reduce the exposure.

Composition of diesel exhaust

Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gaseous and particulate components produced in the combustion of diesel fuels. The emission rate and composition of the exhaust depend, for example, on the type, operational condition and maintenance of the engine, on the composition and properties of the fuel, and on the exhaust after-treatment techniques in use[1]. The main gaseous components of diesel exhaust are carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, water vapour, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. In addition, sulphur dioxide and various organic compounds, such as low-molecular-weight carbonyls, carboxylic acids, alkanes, alkenes and aromatics may be emitted in the gas phase[2].

In addition to the gases and vapours, diesel exhaust contains tiny particles which are formed in the combustion process and in the subsequent condensation of gas phase compounds. These particles are composed of elemental carbon, adsorbed organic compounds, sulphates, nitrates and trace amounts of other elements[1]. Diesel exhaust particles are respirable; approximately 90% of the particle mass exists in the fine size range (≤2.5 µm). Nanoscale particles (≤50 nm) make up to 90% of the particle number concentration[3]. Due to their small size, the particles may reach the pulmonary alveoli, the sensitive gas-exchange region of the lungs.

It has been reported that the use of biodiesel instead or as a blend with a fossil fuel may moderately reduce the emissions of particles, total hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide but at the same time, the emission of nitrogen oxides often increases[4]. In general, the biodiesel-derived exhaust gases contain less of genotoxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons but more of irritative aldehydes and ketones.

Influence of emission regulations

In the past two decades, the exhaust emission standards for diesel engines have tightened significantly in the EU[5]. As an example, Figure 1 depicts the emission standards for heavy-duty diesel engines from 1992 to 2013. In 1992, the emission of diesel particles from these engines was regulated to 0.36 g/kWh, and that of nitrogen oxides to 8.0 g/kWh. In 2013, the corresponding values were 0.01 g/kWh for particles and 0.4 g/kWh for nitrogen oxides, representing a 20–36-fold reduction of the permissible emissions during the past 20 years. For off-road engines, the particle emission value was reduced to 0.025 g/kWh in 2011–2013. However, for the engines whose net power is below 37 kW, a higher particle emission, 0.6 g/kWh, is allowed, and the emissions from the smallest engines (<19 kW) are not regulated at all [5].

In the framework of the EU's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from road transport[6] the EU has adopted 2 regulations. Regulation 2019/631/EU sets CO2 emission standards for cars and vans and applies since 1 January 2020. Regulation 2019/1242/EU sets CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, with targets for reducing the average emissions from new lorries for 2025 and 2030.

The tightened emission regulations in the EU and other parts of the world have stimulated a significant evolution of diesel engine and exhaust after-treatment technologies. The key developments have included electronic high pressure fuel injection systems, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, crankcase filtration, diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs), and (wall-flow) diesel particulate filters (DPFs)[7]. At the same time, the sulphur and aromatics content of diesel fuels have reduced. These changes have not only reduced the emissions, in particular the amounts of diesel particles and organic compounds, but it has also changed the composition of diesel exhaust. For example, elemental carbon, which is the main constituent of the particles produced by the traditional diesel engines, constitutes only a small proportion of the very small particle mass emitted by the new technology engines[8].

Figure 1: EU emission standards for heavy-duty diesel engines (net power > 85 kW; steady-state testing): nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and diesel exhaust particles (PM)
Figure 1: EU emission standards for heavy-duty diesel engines (net power > 85 kW; steady-state testing): nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and diesel exhaust particles (PM)
Source: adapted from [30]

 

Health effects

Respiratory and cardiovascular effects

Exposure to diesel exhaust may evoke irritation of eyes, nose and throat and the experience of unpleasant smells[1]. A mild airway inflammatory response and increased airway resistance has been detected in volunteers exposed to relatively high levels of diesel exhaust (particles: 100–350 µg/m3; NO2: 0.2–1.6 ppm) for 1–2 hours (see [9][10] and references therein). In addition to the respiratory effects, indications on cardiovascular effects, such as changes in the function of blood vessels, have been observed in the studies[10][11]. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have associated ambient air pollution, especially particulate matter, with acute cardiac effects and development of chronic cardiovascular diseases[11]. However, the underlying mechanisms and relative importance of the different constituents of diesel exhaust to the observed effects are not fully understood.

In animal studies, exposure to diesel exhaust has been associated with increased response to allergens and decreased viral and bacterial clearance from the lungs[9]. In rats, long-term exposure to high levels of diesel exhaust has triggered inflammatory and histological changes in the lungs[1]. At very high exposure levels, lung tumours have also been detected.

Carcinogenicity of diesel exhaust

In June 2012, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) updated its evaluation on the carcinogenicity of diesel exhaust and re-classified diesel exhaust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)[12]. The update was mainly based on the recently published epidemiological studies on lung cancer risk related to diesel exhaust exposure among non-metal miners, railroad workers and workers in the trucking industry. Most notably, a large study among the US non-metal miners has showed an increased lung cancer risk with increasing exposure to diesel exhaust[13][14]. The lung cancer risk among the workers with the highest exposure was nearly threefold in comparison with the lowest exposure group. Miners, especialy underground workers, are exposed to diesel exhausted during activities such as ore extraction, haulage, maintenance, and the use of vehicles. The extensive use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines and the fact that underground work increases the possibility for exhaust to accumulate, makes it challenging to control workers’ exposure[15].

There is also limited epidemiological evidence linking diesel exhaust exposure with increased incidence of bladder cancer. Since diesel exhaust is genotoxic to bacteria and mammalian cells, the IARC has concluded that diesel exhaust is likely to induce cancer through genotoxicity[12].

Health effects of new technology diesel engine exhaust

There is still very little data available on the health effects of new technology diesel engine exhaust. Since the emissions of diesel exhaust particles of new technology diesel engines are significantly lower than those of the older technology diesel engines, the cancer risk is expected to be reduced with the new diesel technology[16][17]. The few available animal studies indicate that application of advanced exhaust after-treatment techniques may significantly reduce the respiratory effects of diesel exhaust[18]. In an ongoing two-year inhalation study evaluating the exhausts from new technology diesel engines, mild inflammatory and histological changes were observed in the lungs of exposed rats after three months and one year of exposure at the highest dose tested (particles: 13 µg/m3; NO2: 3.6 ppm)[19]. Studies allowing the comparison of old and new technology of diesel engine exhaust with respect to different health effects, including genotoxicity and inflammatory effects, would be of specific interest in the future. Further information is also needed on actual exposure levels at workplaces that use new technology diesel engines[20].

Exposure at workplaces

Diesel engines are widely used for transport and power-supply, and are dominating power-sources for heavy-duty vehicles. The main advantages associated with diesel engines include their high efficiency, robustness and durability. In particular, the high energy efficiency makes the diesel engine an attractive alternative for many applications. In comparison with gasoline engine exhaust, diesel engine exhaust contains considerably less carbon monoxide which makes it possible to run diesel engines in enclosed worksites where gasoline engines cannot be used. In addition, diesel fuel is less volatile and flammable than gasoline, and is therefore considered a safer alternative.

Due to the wide use of diesel engines in trucks and other vehicles, as well as in forklifts, generators, tractors, excavators and other industrial, agricultural and construction equipment, exposure to diesel exhaust occurs at many workplaces but also on streets. The exposed worker groups include mine and construction workers, warehouse workers, mechanics, postmen, police, customs at border control, emergency workers, professional drivers, and shipping and railroad workers. The exposure to diesel exhaust may also occur in agriculture, forestry, waste management, environmental remediation, and other industries where diesel-powered vehicles and tools are applied.

Occupational exposure data are scarce and estimates on the prevalence of diesel engine exhaust emissions exposure differs between research studies depending on the methods and criteria that are used. The SHEcan study carried out by Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) in preparation of the revision of the Carcinogen and Mutagen Directive 2004/37/EC estimated that there are 3.6 million workers in the EU potentially exposed to diesel engine exhaust above background levels [21]. These estimates are based on extrapolations of data from CAREX studies in Finland, Spain and Italy and employment data from 2006.

Detailed figures and estimates of the number of exposed workers per industry sector are available on the Canadian CAREX website https://www.carexcanada.ca/profile/diesel_engine_exhaust-occupational-exposures/. These data show that tin Canada the highest number of workers exposed to diesel exhaust can be found in the truck transportation sector.

In general, the highest levels of diesel exhaust have been measured at underground worksites, such as underground mines and tunnel construction sites[22]. Intermediate levels have been detected at (semi)enclosed above ground worksites, such as motor vehicle repair shops, warehouses and fire stations, and the lowest levels at outdoor worksites and in the cabins of diesel vehicles.

Exposure and risk assessment

According to the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC)[23], the employer must determine whether hazardous chemical agents are present in the workplace, and assess and control the risks they may pose to the safety and health of the workers. Exposure to diesel exhaust and other exhaust gases needs to be taken into consideration in the assessment. In order to carry out the assessment, the following information may be needed:

  • How many diesel engines are present at the workplace?
  • What are the type, age and condition of the engines? Are they regularly maintained?
  • How many people are potentially exposed to diesel exhaust? What is the level and duration of the exposure?
  • What control measures are in place? Are they working satisfactorily?
  • Have there been any ill-health complains related to the exposure?

The British trade union TUC provides as a basic test for assessing exposure to diesel exhaust that if you can see or smell diesel exhaust in the workplace, then you have a problem: If you can see it or smell it – sort it! [24].

Exposure measurements

When more accurate information on the exposure levels is needed, exposure measurements and comparison of the results with the available occupational exposure limit values may be carried out. Respirable particles, elemental carbon, and nitrogen oxides are commonly used indicators of diesel exhaust exposure. A challenge of respirable particle measurements is the difficulty to differentiate diesel exhaust particles from other particles and dusts at the worksite. Elemental carbon is a more specific indicator for diesel exhaust and is currently regarded as the best surrogate of diesel exhaust[25]. The IARC has also specified that it is common to use elemental carbon, which makes up a significant proportion of those emissions, as a marker of exposure. Therefore elemental carbon is used as a marker for the occupational exposure limit in the EU Carcinogen and Mutagen Directive (see also below)[26]. The variable proportion of elemental carbon in diesel exhaust particles may, however, cause uncertainty in the interpretation of the results. For a more comprehensive perspective on the exposure, determination of more than one exhaust component is recommended. For example, respirable particles and/or elemental carbon, indicators for the particulate components, may be measured together with nitrogen dioxide, which is an indicator for the gas phase components [27]. However, the application of exhaust after-treatment systems changes the composition of the diesel exhaust and is characterised by a significantly reduced particulate mass including elemental carbon and an increased proportion of NO2 of the total NOX. Thus, NO2 might be a more relevant exposure marker for exhaust from new technology diesel engine[25]. The Nordic Expert Group for Criteria Documentation of Health Risks from Chemicals concluded that the occupational exposure limit value for diesel exhaust could be set both as respirable elemental carbon and as NO2 to cover the varying diesel exhaust composition due to the age and type of engines and exhaust after-treatment systems[16].

Occupational exposure limit values

Since diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gaseous and particulate components, the occupational exposure limit values (OELs) of the single components do not necessarily protect from the health effects of the whole exhaust. Although the levels of the single components of the exhaust usually are below their OELs, health effects may still occur due to the combined exposure. The European legislation on the protection of workers from the risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals is laid down in the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC)[23] and in the Carcinogen and Mutagen Directive 2004/37/EC[28]. The Carcinogen and Mutagen Directive (CMD) requires employers to eliminate or otherwise minimise exposure of workers to cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals. The CMD establishes certain measures specific to given chemical carcinogens, including identification of 'process-generated' carcinogens (Annex I to the directive), and limit values over which exposure of workers is not allowed (Annex III). In 2019 a limit value for diesel exhaust was introduced in annex III of the directive and emissions of diesel exhaust were also included in annex I (directive 2019/130/EU amending the CMD[26]). Since diesel engine exhaust emissions are process-generated, Work involving exposure to diesel engine exhaust emissions was added to the list in annex I with carcinogenic substances, mixtures or processes. Annex III lists limit values for substances. For diesel exhaust, elemental carbon is used as a marker of exposure since elemental carbon makes up a significant proportion of diesel exhaust emissions. The 8 hours limit value is 0,05 mg/m3 measured as elemental carbon. The limit value applies from 21 February 2023. For underground mining and tunnel construction the limit value applies from 21 February 2026.

Exposure control measures

Prevention and control of diesel exhaust exposure at workplace adhere to the generalhierarchy of controls applied to control occupational exposure. Where appropriate, the substitution of diesel engines with alternative power sources, such as electric or natural gas fuelled engines should be considered. A significant reduction of exhaust emission may also be achieved by replacing older diesel engines with new engines fulfilling the tighter emission regulations of today. In many workplaces and circumstances the best option to significantly reduce exposure levels is removing diesel engines using older technologies[17]. Alternatively, older diesel engines may be retro-fitted with new exhaust after-treatment devices, such as diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) or diesel particulate filter (DPF)[29]. The regular maintenance of the engines is also very important, because there are often high emissions from poorly maintained engines.

When diesel engines are run indoors, efficient natural or mechanical ventilation need to be provided to remove the exhaust and to provide sufficiently fresh replacement air. Where appropriate, enclosing the tailpipe with a flexible hose extraction system vented outside is an effective measure for removing engine exhaust[30]. Unnecessary running or idling of diesel engines should always be avoided, especially indoors. The examples of exposure control measures for specific workplaces are listed in Table 4.

Diesel exhaust is best controlled at source or by efficient general ventilation. Respiratory protective equipment should only be used as a last resort if the exposure cannot be sufficiently controlled by other means. If respiratory protective equipment needs to be used, the equipment chosen should be suitable for protecting against the particles, inorganic gases and organic vapours in the exhaust, preferably an air-supplying respirator.

Table 4: Exposure control measures for specific worksites
Table 4: Exposure control measures for specific worksites
Source: adapted from [30]​​​​​​

 

Concluding remarks

There is increasing evidence of the respiratory and cardiovascular health effects of the exhaust from older technology diesel engines. In particular, the updated carcinogenicity classification by the IARC emphasizes the need to take diesel exhaust exposure into close consideration in the risk assessment and planning of control measures at a workplace. Special attention should be paid to diesel exhaust exposure in mines, underground construction sites and other enclosed worksites where high levels of exhaust may easily build up. The key measures for exposure control include substitution of diesel engines with lower emission engines, regular maintenance of the engines, and efficient ventilation systems.

References

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[4] Bünger, J., Krahl, J., Schröder, O., Schmidt, L., Westphal, G.A. ‘Potential hazards associated with combustion of bio-derived versus petroleum-derived diesel fuel’, Crit Rev Toxicol, vol. 42, 2012, pp. 732–750.

[5] Ecopoint Inc. (2012). DieselNet: Emission Standards, European Union. Retrieved 12 December 2012, from: http://www.dieselnet.com/standards/eu/

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[9] Hesterberg, T.W., Long, C.M., Bunn, W.M., Sax, S.N., Lapin, C.A., Valberg, P.A. ‘Non-cancer health effects of diesel exhaust: A critical assessment of recent human and animal toxicological literature’, Critical Rev Toxicol, vol. 39, 2009, pp. 195–227.

[10] Ghio, A.J., Sobus, J.R., Pleil, J.D., Madden, M.C. ‘Controlled human exposure studies to diesel exhaust’. Swiss Med Wkly, vol 124, w13597.

[11] Campen, M.J, Lund, A., Rosefeld, M. ‘Mechanisms linking traffic-related air pollution and atherosclerosis’, Curr Opin Pulm Med, vol. 18, 2012, 155–160.

[12] Benbrahim-Tallaa, L., Baan, R.A., Grosse J. et al. ‘Carcinogenicity of diesel-engine and gasoline-engine exhausts and some nitroarenes’, Lancet Oncol, vol. 13, 2012, pp. 663–664.

[13] Attfield, M.D., Schleiff, P.L., Lubin, J.H., Blair, A., Stewart, P.A., Vermeulen, R., Coble, J.B., Silverman, D.T. ‘The Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study: A cohort mortality study with emphasis on lung cancer’, J Natl Cancer Inst , vol. 104, 2012, pp. 1–15.

[14] Silverman, D.T., Samanic, C.M., Lubin, J.H., Blair, A.E., Stewart, P.A., Vermeulen, R., Coble, J.B., Rothman, N., Schleiff, P.L., Travis, W.D., Ziegler, R.G., Wacholder, S., Attfield, M.D. ‘The Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study: A nested case–control study of lung cancer and diesel exhaust’, J Natl Cancer Inst, vol. 104, 2012, pp. 1–14.

[15] NIOSH. Miners, especialy underground workers, are exposed to diesel exhausted during activities such as ore extraction, haulage, maintenance, and the use of vehicles. The extensive use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines makes it challenging to control workers’ exposure, 2011. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/works/coversheet748.html

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[18] McDonald, J.D., Harrod, K.S., Seagrave, J.C., Seilkop,S.K., Mauderly, J.L. ‘Effects of low sulfur fuel and a catalyzed particle trap on the composition and toxicity of diesel emissions’, Environ Health Perspect, vol. 112, 2004b, pp. 1307–1312.

[19] Health Effects Institute, Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study (ACES). Subchronic exposure results: Biologic responses in rats and mice and assessment of genotoxicity. Research Report 166. Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, 2012. Available at: http://pubs.healtheffects.org/getfile.php?u=709

[20] Taxell, P., Santonen, T., Diesel Engine Exhaust: Basis for Occupational Exposure Limit Value, ''Toxicological Sciences'', Volume 158, Issue 2, August 2017, pp. 243–251. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfx110

[21] Health, socio-economic and environmental aspects of possible amendments to the EU Directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens and mutagens at work: Hardwood dust. Available at: [9]

[22] Pronk, A., Joseph Coble, J., Stewart, P. ‘Occupational exposure to diesel engine exhaust: A literature review’, J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol, vol. 19, 2009, pp. 443–457.

[23] Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work. Available at: http://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/exposure-to-chemical-agents-and-chemical-safety/osh-directives/75

[24] TUC. Diesel exhaust in the workplace, A TUC guide for trade union activists. Available at: https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/DieselExhaustWorkplace1.pdf

[25] Hedmer, M., Wierzbicka, A., Li, H., Albin, M., Tinnerberg, H., Broberg, K., Diesel Exhaust Exposure Assessment Among Tunnel Construction Workers—Correlations Between Nitrogen Dioxide, Respirable Elemental Carbon, and Particle Number, Annals of Work Exposures and Health, vo. 61, Issue 5, June 2017, pp. 539–553. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxx024

[26] Directive 2019/130/EU amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work. Available at: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/130/oj

[27] Lewne, M., Plato, N., Gustavsson, P. ‘Exposure to particles, elemental carbon and nitrogen dioxide in workers exposed to motor exhaust’, Ann Occup Hyg, vol. 51, 2007, pp. 693–701.

[28] Directive 2004/37/EC of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work, available at: http://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/exposure-to-chemical-agents-and-chemical-safety/osh-directives/directive-2004-37-ec-indicative-occupational-exposure-limit-values

[29] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC). Available at: https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/20017FQR.txt?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=2000%20Thru%202005&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&UseQField=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5CZYFILES%5CINDEX%20DATA%5C00THRU05%5CTXT%5C00000010%5C20017FQR.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1

[30] HSE - Health and Safety Executive, Control of diesel engine exhaust emissions in the workplace, 2012. Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg187.pdf

Further reading

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Practical tools and guidance on dangerous substances. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/dangerous-substances/practical-tools-dangerous-substances

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Dangerous Substances e-tool. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/tools-and-resources/e-guides/dangerous-substances-e-tool

Roadmap on carcinogens, good practices and fact sheets. Available at: https://roadmaponcarcinogens.eu

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Infosheet: Carcinogens at Work. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/infosheet-carcinogens-work/view

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Summary - Exposure to carcinogens and work-related cancer. A review of assessment measures. Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/summary-exposure-carcinogens-and-work-related-cancer-review-assessment-measures/view

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Info sheet: Substitution of dangerous substances in the workplace Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/info-sheet-substitution-dangerous-substances-workplace/view

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Info sheet: Legislative framework on dangerous substances in workplaces Available at:https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/info-sheet-legislative-framework-dangerous-substances-workplaces/view

EU-OSHA - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Summary - A data-driven method for assessing exposure to dangerous substances in EU workplaces Available at: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/summary-data-driven-method-assessing-exposure-dangerous-substances-eu-workplaces/view

EU Commission, Emissions in the automotive sector. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/automotive/environment-protection/emissions_en

CAREX Canada, Diesel Engine Exhaust Occupational Exposures. Available at: https://www.carexcanada.ca/profile/diesel_engine_exhaust-occupational-exposures/

HSE - Health and Safety Executive, Diesel engine exhaust emissions, 2012. Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg286.pdf

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Prevent, Belgium

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