What is diesel exhaust and what does it contain?
Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gaseous components and solid particles produced during the combustion of diesel fuel.
The gaseous fraction comprises nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons.
The solid, particulate fraction is referred to as diesel particulate matter (DPM) - also known as diesel soot, diesel emissions or diesel particles. The particles are extremely small: many are smaller than 1 micrometer, a large proportion even fall into the ultrafine range(less than 100 nanometers). Due to their small size, they remain suspended in the air for a long time and penetrate deep into the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs). They typically consist of a core of elemental carbon coated with organic carbon, sulphates, nitrates and trace metals.
In working environments such as mining, tunnel construction, building sites or logistics warehouses, these respirable particles accumulate particularly in poorly ventilated rooms - and pose a considerable risk to employees.
If you would like to find out more about the risks of particulate matter on construction sites and how to get it under control, take a look at our article "Dust pollution on construction sites".
Is diesel exhaust toxic?
Yes - diesel exhaust is considered toxic. It contains both gases and ultra-fine particles that are harmful to health. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen. This means that there is sufficient evidence that diesel exhaust cause cancer in humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes diesel emissions as a serious health problem.
Even short-term exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness or coughing. Repeated exposure over a longer period of time significantly increases the risk of respiratory diseases and lung cancer.
What happens if you inhale diesel particulate matter (DPM) at work?
When inhaled, the ultra-fine diesel particles bypass the body's natural defense mechanisms and reach the alveoli - the deepest parts of the lungs. There, diesel particles (DPM) can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress.
Short-term exposure in the workplace often leads to coughing, chest tightness and breathing difficulties. In poorly ventilated areas, acute symptoms can escalate quickly, especially in employees with asthma or existing respiratory conditions.
In the long term, chronic exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) is linked to:
- Respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis or impaired lung function
- Cardiovascular diseases, e.g. heart attacks or coronary heart disease
- Cancers, especially lung and bladder cancer, which are closely linked to occupational diesel exhaust exposure
This shows that Occupational exposure limits and consistent exposure monitoring are essential in all industries that rely on diesel-powered machinery.
How can diesel exhaust exposure be monitored and controlled?
The most effective measure to protect employees is precise monitoring of exposure. This is where Dustlight comes in.
With the special material configuration for diesel exhaust gases, Dustlight offers companies a powerful tool to detect and control loads in real time:
- Real-time data: Captures the concentration of fine and ultrafine diesel particulate matter (DPM) every second.
- Intelligent warnings: The app reports immediately if preset or self-defined workplace limits are exceeded.
- Material-specific configuration: The diesel soot configuration is part of the Dustlight app's Business plan.
- Process optimization: The collected data can be used to check ventilation systems, adapt work processes and minimize workplace exposure risks.
Through this targeted configuration, Dustlight helps companies to comply with air quality standards and effectively protect employees.
Do you need special measuring devices for diesel exhaust gases?
Yes, conventional dust monitors are often unable to reliably detect ultra-fine diesel particles. Personal dust monitors such as Dustlight are specifically designed to measure these particles in real time, providing both individual exposure data and an overview of the entire working environment.
Conclusion
Diesel exhaust is far more than just a technical by-product. It is a proven carcinogen and poses a serious risk to health - from respiratory diseases to lung cancer. Technical measures and protective equipment are important, but they are not enough.
Only continuous exposure monitoring with intelligent solutions like Dustlight makes the difference.
Are you ready to find out how Dustlight can help your company protect employees and comply with legal requirements?
Book a free demo now and experience how real-time measurement makes your workplaces safer.