Well I feel I have been vindicated and now after the change in status by the World Health Organization I wonder how all those who thought diesel was the second coming feel now. Especially since even over here let alone in Europe production of diesel powered cars and trucks is ever increasing. Trading mileage for cancer in my opinion is not the smart way to go.
The World Health Organization announced Tuesday that diesel fumes may cause cancer. The fumes may be ruled as much of a public health threat as secondhand smoke.
The science panel recognized that the risk of getting cancer induced by diesel fumes is small. However, so many people are exposed and breathe in the exhaust that the classification change from “probably carcinogen” to carcinogen was important.
"It's on the same order of magnitude as passive smoking," said Kurt Straif, director of the IARC department that evaluates cancer risks. "This could be another big push for countries to clean up exhaust from diesel engines."
Because of the magnitude of exposure to exhaust, Straif said, there could be many cases of lung cancer connected to the contaminant. He said the fumes affected groups including pedestrians on the street, ship passengers and crew, railroad workers, truck drivers, mechanics, miners and people operating heavy machinery.
