Diesel exhaust

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Diesel particulate matter monitors

Diesel-smoke

Diesel exhaust is the gaseous and particulate exhaust produced by diesel engines. It is a complex mixture of gases, vapors, liquid aerosols, and particulate substances. These emissions are composed of thousands of different chemicals, including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM), among others. Diesel exhaust has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating that there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans.

Composition

The composition of diesel exhaust varies depending on engine type, operating conditions, fuel quality, and emission control technologies. Key components include:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas emitted through the combustion of diesel fuel.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas that is harmful to health, produced by incomplete combustion.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Gases that contribute to smog and acid rain, and are involved in the formation of ground-level ozone.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): A gas that can lead to acid rain and is harmful to human health.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

Health Effects

Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to a range of adverse health effects. Short-term exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Long-term or chronic exposure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and lung cancer. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at greater risk.

Environmental Impact

Diesel exhaust contributes to environmental problems such as air pollution, acid rain, and global warming. NOx and SO2 emissions can lead to the formation of acid rain, which harms ecosystems, damages buildings, and contaminates water sources. Particulate matter can reduce air quality, leading to smog and affecting visibility. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Regulation and Control

Governments and international bodies have implemented regulations to reduce diesel exhaust emissions. These include setting limits on the amount of pollutants that can be emitted by diesel engines, requiring the use of cleaner diesel fuel, and mandating the installation of emission control devices such as diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. These measures have significantly reduced the amount of harmful pollutants emitted by diesel engines.

See Also

• Air pollution
• Emission standard
• Environmental impact of transport
• Exhaust gas