Diesel Emissions Pose a Significant Public Health Threat
According to a recent study conducted by Scorecard, (a popular resource for information on pollution and toxic chemicals), it was shown that diesel emissions is a predominant source of cancer risk by hazardous air pollutants.
The EPA's inclusion of diesel emissions in their National Scale Assessment of Air Toxics has helped lead to a better understanding of the source of the largest part of the toxic air problem currently threatening public health. Previous studies conducted by the EPA, such as the Cumulative Exposure Project (which estimates exposure levels for a wide variety of toxic pollutants) had failed to take into account the emissions of diesel fueled vehicles and machinery. Since the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) has made diesel particulate concentration estimates available, it is clear that cancer risks from diesel emissions is an estimated ten times higher than all other hazardous air pollutants combined. Based on these numbers, the average cancer risk posed by diesel emissions for the whole of the United States alone is 580 per million - 80% of the total estimated cancer risk of all hazardous air pollutants, which is 740 per million.
With such a large risk imposed by diesel emissions, it is of the utmost importance that those who drive or operate diesel-fueled vehicles and machinery ensure the proper accessories are installed. Products such as Closed Crankcase Ventilation Systems (CCV), Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and other exhaust accessories, such as cleaning stations for the regular maintenance of filters, ensuring they last longer and maintain high levels of effectiveness. This helps to ensure air quality, productivity, and of course your employee’s health and safety.