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Diesel particulate matter

Fine particulate matter in diesel engine exhaust, including particles small enough to be inhaled and retained in the lungs.

Airborne form

aerosol

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

respiratory irritationlung retention of particleslong-term respiratory health riskpotential occupational cancer concern

Evidence

MSHA describes diesel particulate matter as particles small enough to be inhaled and retained in the lungs, with many exhaust chemicals adsorbed to their surfaces; the agency cites NIOSH’s concern that whole diesel exhaust be regarded as a potential occupational carcinogen.

Source: MSHA: Practical Ways to Reduce Exposure to Diesel Exhaust in Mining ↗

HSE describes diesel engine exhaust emissions as a mixture of gases, vapours, liquid aerosols, and soot particles; it reports short-term eye or respiratory irritation, coughing and breathlessness with longer exposure, and increased lung-cancer risk after repeated exposure over many years.

Source: html ↗ · saved source
What is it?; What is the risk to construction workers? · 1
Exhaust emissions from diesel engines are made up of a complex mixture of gases, vapours, liquid aerosols and soot particles. ... Short-term exposure may cause eye or respiratory irritation ... Longer periods of exposure ... can lead to coughing, chestiness and breathlessness. There is also evidence that repeated exposure to DEEEs over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer.

NIOSH identifies diesel particulate matter as an airborne substance to which mining workers may be exposed and lists asthma symptoms, eye and nose irritation, inflammatory changes in airways, lung-function decline, and cancers among potential health effects of mining respiratory hazards.

Source: html ↗ · saved source
Health outcomes · 1
United States workers employed in mining facilities can be exposed to harmful airborne substances. The substances other than coal dust and silica are: Diesel particulate matter; Elongate mineral particles; Toxic gases. Potential health effects include: Headaches; Nausea; Symptoms of asthma; Eye and nose irritation; Inflammatory changes in airways; Lung function decline; Cancers.

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