Diesel fuel, occupational exposure

Limited epidemiological information exists for carcinogenicity in humans following inhalation exposure to kerosene (vapor) (Chan et al. 1979) and other fuel oils such as diesel fuel (vapor) (Partanen et al. 1991). These studies either test kerosene exposure by use of kerosene stoves, and so are limited for the same reasons as the respiratory studies described above, or measure fuel oil exposures according to occupation. In the latter case, confounding from exposure to other chemicals, such as gasoline, exists. Both studies are limited since the duration and level of fuel oil exposure were not identified. Other available data are also reported to be inadequate to assess the carcinogenic potential of fuel oils (lARC 1989 Lam and Du 1988). 

Repeated skin contact in mice with fuel oils has caused skin cancer, although information is conflicting. The lARC has determined that residual (heavy) fuels and marine diesel fuel are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B classification). The lARC has also determined that occupational exposure to fuel oils during... 

Incendiary and explosive devices are used in most terrorist attacks. As a result of combustion of fuel and hazardous materials, PAHs are released in high volumes. Exposure of civilians or deployed personnel to fumes containing PAHs constitutes an acute exposure scenario. Additionally, defense forces involved in extinguishing oil well fires, and cleanup tasks are exposed to low levels of PAHs over a more protracted time period. In addition, over 1.3 million civilian and military personnel are occupationally exposed to hydrocarbon fuels, particularly gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, or kerosene on a near daily basis. Studies have reported acute or persisting neurotoxic effects from acute, subchronic, or chronic exposure of humans or animals to hydrocarbon fuels (Ritchie et n/., 2001), specifically burning of jet fuels, which release PAHs in considerable proportions. 

All the occupations listed in Table 28.2 carry with them exposures to mixtures of lipophilic and hydrophilic chemicals. Of the chemicals listed in Table 28.3, several are mixtures of compounds. These include gasoline, diesel fuel, mineral spirits, paint removers, paint thinners, and VM P naphtha. Though many of the studies referenced above consider organic solvents as only a mixture of lipophilic compounds, I13-1517 this is inappropriate, since many of the chemicals listed in Table 28.3 are mixtures of lipophiles and hydrophiles. For example, a typical solvent-based paint... 

EXPOSURE ROUTES Inhalation (ambient air, municipal waste incineration emissions, combustion products of wood, gasoline, diesel fuel and tobacco smoke) ingestion (contaminated drinking water and coffee) occupational exposure. 

EXPOSURE ROUTES most probably is occupational exposure dermal contact inhalation natural fires petroleum refining coal tar distillation combustion of wood, coal, oil, propane, gasoline, and diesel fuels industrial effluents municipal wastewater treatment facilities waste incinerators smoked and barbecued foods contaminated drinking water supplies recreation activities at contaminated waterways... 

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