In the 'Symptoms - Environment' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about diesel exhaust exposure:
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Have you suffered exposure to diesel exhaust fumes (as opposed to exhaust fumes in general)? For example, diesel mechanics, truck drivers, working at a truck stop, etc.
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"No exposure / don't know" |
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| 2. |
"Light exposure for a short time" |
Mild diesel exhaust exposure |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"Light exposure for a long time" |
Significant diesel exhaust exposure |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"Heavy exposure for a short time" |
Significant diesel exhaust exposure |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"Heavy exposure for a long time" |
Severe diesel exhaust exposure |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever |
Diesel exhaust fumes and ozone can enhance the effects of inhaled allergens or have an effect on immune function. |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Heavy Metal Toxicity |
-- |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Indoor Allergies |
Diesel exhaust fumes and ozone can enhance the effects of inhaled allergens or have an effect on immune function. |
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2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Lung Cancer |
Human epidemiological studies demonstrate an association between diesel exhaust exposure and increased lung cancer rates in occupational settings. A preliminary report, still undergoing review by experts, states that "For carcinogenic hazard and risk of cancer over a lifetime, the EPA is recommending that exposure (to diesel exhaust) be viewed as likely to pose a risk at low levels, as well as high levels."
The draft report, which can be accessed at the agency's website at www.epa.gov, is based on an overview analysis of dozens of animal- and human-based studies. It explains that the particulate matter found in diesel fumes is very small in diameter and thus able to penetrate deeply into the lungs upon inhalation. The report authors also note that "light-duty diesel engines emit 50-80 times and heavy-duty engines 100-200 times more particulate matter than catalytically equipped gasoline engines." |
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GLOSSARY
Allergen (Allergens)
A substance that is capable of producing an allergic response in the body.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Carcinogen (Carcinogenic, Carcinogenicity)
Any agent that is cancer-causing.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency. Also: Eicosapentanoic Acid. A metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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