Abstract
ABSTRACT
Combustion gases contain trace compounds which are known for their toxic effects ranging from acute poisoning to slowly developing lesions under chronic exposures, possibly including occurrences of lung cancer. This paper describes the effects of the major toxic components of combustion gases and the measures to minimize the related public risk. As some combustion products are known as carcinogens in animal tests, the main topic is the assessment of public lung cancer risk due to chronic engine exhaust inhalation. This potential is greatly reduced for gasoline engines by the mandatory installation of regulated catalytic exhaust converters. Diesel engines have presently no such device. Moreover, ill-reputed high emission of soot from diesel engines was officially labelled a possible human carcinogen in 1988. This was concluded from results of mutagenicity testings and inhalation studies with rats. This actual risk for the general population will be briefly discussed and assessed.
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