Diesel Exhaust Factsheet for Workers, Unions and Community Based Organizations

The many small particles in diesel exhaust are readily inhaled and deposited deep into the lung tissue, where they can cause damage. If you have a pre‐existing
disease, such as emphysema, asthma, or heart disease, it can be aggravated by diesel exhaust. Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause short‐term health problems with immediate impact or long‐term health problems that will develop over time. Some short‐term (acute) health effects are: irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; lightheadedness; heartburn; tightness in the chest; wheezing; vomiting; headache; numbness and tingling in the extremities.Studies indicate that diesel exhaust can
cause long‐term (chronic) health problems. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers diesel exhaust a human carcinogen (cancer‐causing substance).