Health Impact of Diesel Pollution Related Information

Health Impact of Diesel Pollution  

Diesel exhaust is a likely carcinogen.  It contains more than 40 hazardous pollutants listed in the Clean Air Act and is one of the largest sources of fine particulate matter (PM) in New England.  Elevated PM levels trigger asthma attacks, are associated with the onset of heart attacks and premature deaths, and cost billions of dollars in health care expenditures and lost work days. In New England, the concern over diesel pollution is heightened as local populations struggle with an asthma epidemic. 
 
Report from the Clean Air Task Force Estimates Health Impacts from Diesel Pollution
Each year, diesel pollution in New England is responsible for more than:
 
•         780 premature deaths.
•         1200 non-fatal heart attacks
•         16,500 asthma attacks
•         23,000 respiratory symptoms in children
•         98,600 missed-work days.
•         $440.9 million in non-fatal health damages

To find out about diesel pollution in your community, go to Diesel & Health in America