The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified diesel fumes as a significant public health concern. Specifically, emissions from automotive engines, particularly those powered by diesel, pose a risk of cancer. This reclassification places diesel fumes in the same category as other well-known carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, tobacco, alcohol, and mustard gas.
The decision to classify diesel fumes as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning substances known to cause cancer in humans, was based on unanimous agreement among scientific experts and supported by extensive evidence. This re-evaluation has been under discussion since 1998.
Research conducted by the IARC advisory committee has identified a clear link between exposure to diesel fumes and an increased risk of developing lung cancer and bladder cancer. This finding is particularly relevant in regions like India, where there is a growing demand for diesel-powered vehicles. However, in Europe and America, where diesel automobiles are primarily used for commercial purposes, the impact of this news is somewhat limited.
Despite advancements in technology, such as the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and improvements in emissions control systems, the global automotive industry has contested the research findings. They argue that the threat from diesel fumes has been significantly reduced. Nonetheless, the WHO emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to diesel fumes whenever possible, urging individuals worldwide to take precautions to protect their health.