WHO: smoke from diesel engines can caused cancer

A panel of health experts from the WHO concluded that the smell of diesel fumes can cause cancer. Not only can increase the risk of lung cancer, smoke, diesel engines are also suspected to cause tumors in the bladder.

This conclusion is drawn based on a study on workers in the accretion, rail, and truck driver.

Even so, panel members said that everyone should avoid smelling the smoke released by diesel engines, including diesel engines used in motor vehicles.

This relates to the decision of the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the previous diesel engine in the category of carcinogen for humans.

Although not explicitly indicate the type of carcinogen that is owned by diesel engines, diesel engines currently smoke has been classified as carcinogens, together with plutonium, sunlight, and alcohol.

"The scientific evidence is found to have very clear, researchers agree that the smoke caused by the diesel engine can cause lung cancer in humans," said Dr. Christopher janitor, head of research, as reported by the BBC.

"Given the health effects of diesel fumes, the use of chemicals must be reduced."

Meanwhile, the resulting impact on people affected by fumes of diesel engines in low levels is still unknown.

"For the most carcinogenic substances, the higher the exposure received by a person, then the effect will be even greater," said Dr. Kurt Straif of IARC.

There are ways that can be used to reduce the risk of cancer when using diesel engines, using fuels containing sulfur levels lower, or replacing the vehicle's engine.

Cancer Research in the UK says that employers and workers should take appropriate measures to minimize exposure to diesel fumes on workers in the workplace.

However, the director of the Cancer Information, Dr Lesley Walker said that the number of lung cancer caused by diesel fumes less than the number of lung cancer caused by tobacco.

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