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Diesel exhausts on the kill, irreparable damage beckons immediate action

Diesel exhausts on the kill

 

Diesel exhaust contains several pollutants that contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, acid rain and climate change. These pollutants are harmful to public health. Some of the harmful pollutants found in diesel exhaust are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.

Diesel emissions directly release fine particles into the air and on hot days, diesel exhaust from on-road vehicles and off-road equipment increases the level of ground ozone. These high levels of ozone and fine particles are detrimental to public health as well as to the environment.

The health effects of diesel exhaust are both acute, from short-term exposure, and chronic, from long-term or repeated exposure. Specific health risks and their severity depend upon the amount of chemical exposed to as well as the duration of the exposure. An acute exposure to diesel exhaust could cause an irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs as well as lightheadedness. The effect of the exhaust is especially devastating to the throat cells as found out by researchers at Deakin University, Australia. Long term exposure to the exhaust causes the airway cells to fuse together and die. In comparison exposure to biodiesel, the plant-based fuel has no such effects on the throat cells.

Some preventive steps can be taken at the individual effect to reduce exposure to diesel exhaust. If you have a diesel vehicle, avoid idling. Turn off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Keep your diesel vehicle well tuned and maintained. When purchasing a diesel vehicle, purchase one that meets or exceeds the set emission standards.

Image Credit: Uoguelph

Via: ENN

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