Diesel Smoke Causes Cancer, Researchers Confirm
After a week of considering the evidence, a working group of the World Health Organization determined that diesel exhaust is carcinogenic in human lungs. Underground miners, bus drivers and railroad workers are especially vulnerable, but the risks from traffic exhaust extend to the general population.
After a week of considering the evidence, a working group of the World Health Organization determined that diesel exhaust is carcinogenic in human lungs. Underground miners, bus drivers and railroad workers are especially vulnerable, but the risks from traffic exhaust extend to the general population.
— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly
Rock Solid JournalismMedPage Today:
“Diesel exhaust is a cause of lung cancer in human beings,” Portier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, told reporters in a telephone media briefing.
There is also more limited evidence that diesel exhaust may cause bladder cancer, said Portier.
The classification is a change — in 1989, IARC said diesel exhaust was “probably” a human carcinogen. Re-evaluating the status of diesel exhaust has been a priority for the agency since 1998.
In 2026, amid chaos and the nonstop flurry of headlines, Truthdig remains independent, fact-based and focused on exposing what power tries to hide.
Support Independent Journalism.
Health & Wellness
Scientists say chemicals in everything from food packaging to bath products cause lasting health damage and call for urgent global action.
Editorial Cartoons
Editorial Cartoons
Visit Ann Telnaes’ Substack Open Windows for more.
Health & Wellness
Frequent exposure to plastic chemicals — especially through food packaging — makes potential impacts more concerning, say researchers.
Editorial Cartoons
Film
Cinema’s most striking colorist paints a scene from the end of life.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.