BERKELEY, Calif., Dec 9, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. researchers say trucking
company employees have a higher risk of lung cancer because of exposure to
diesel exhaust.
The study found that dockworkers and drivers who do short-haul pickups and
deliveries are at highest risk, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday.
Researchers from Harvard University and the University of California in Berkeley
said short-haul drivers are exposed to more exhaust than long-haul drivers
because they often leave their windows open while driving. The report said
"fresh, newly released particles" have a greater potential to cause mutations of
DNA.
The findings of the study, will be considered Friday when California's Air
Resources Board votes on a rule that would require a retrofit or replacement of
older heavy-duty diesel trucks.
The newspaper said particles from diesel engines are 100 times more sooty than
gasoline engines for the same load and engine conditions.
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