Diesel Emissions
This web page was last modified June 27, 2012 at 3:10 AM.
This web page was last modified June 27, 2012 at 3:10 AM.
It is becoming increasingly clear as the results of more and more studies are compiled that diesel exhaust and living things don't mix. The closer you are to the source, the worse the health effects. This is particularly true of the young who are most apt to be outdoors often and engaging in vigorous physical activities.
Fine particle pollution is especially harmful to people with lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, because particles can aggravate these diseases. ix Exposure to fine particle air pollution can trigger asthma flare-ups and cause wheezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways. x People with heart disease such as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure and people with diabetes are at risk of serious cardiac effects. xi
It may seem self–evident that living close to a busy street with its many automotive pollutants can have adverse effects on respiratory health, but documenting such a relationship with sufficient rigor to be considered scientifically valid has proven to be an elusive undertaking due to the many seemingly incompatible variables involved. In this month’s issue, Canadian researchers from the University of Toronto led by David Buckeridge (now affiliated with Stanford University) report the results of their study of the relationship between proximity to vehicle emissions and respiratory health [ EHP 110:293–300]. Their unique approach of using a geographic information system (GIS) to model that relationship could serve as a basis for future studies, and adds a convincing piece of evidence suggesting that chronic exposure to urban air can cause respiratory disease.
Original study here: March, 2002 – Effect of Motor Vehicle Emissions on Respiratory Health in an Urban Area by David L. Buckeridge, 1 Richard Glazier, 1 , 2 Bart J. Harvey, 1 , 2 Michael Escobar, 1 , 3 Carl Amrhein, 4 and John Frank 1 , 2 – EHP 110:293–300 – Departments of 1 Public Health Sciences, 2 Family and Community Medicine, 3 Statistics, and 4 Geography and Program in Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The new studies validate the earlier research and address the most important arguments raised by industry critics. Taken together, the studies confirm the relationship between particulate air pollution, illness, hospitalization, and premature death.
We conclude that changes in air pollution exposure during adolescent growth years have a measurable and potentially important effect on lung function growth and performance.
In 2000, EPA moved forward on schedule with its rule to make heavy–duty trucks and buses run cleaner, and the Highway Diesel Rule (the “2007 Highway Rule”), was finalized in January 2001. Beginning with the 2007 model year, the harmful pollution from heavy–duty highway vehicles will be reduced by more than 90 percent.