DIESEL IN WATER MAY CAUSE RISK OF CANCER, FOOD POISONING AND MORE

                                                                      

What is diesel? 

Diesel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons produced by mixing fractions obtained from the distillation of crude oil with brand-specific additives to improve performance. It is a liquid under normal conditions with a characteristic odour. 

What is diesel used for? 

In the UK, diesel is mainly used as a fuel for road vehicles, although other forms of transport (such as ships and trains) and electricity generators also use certain types of diesel. 

How does diesel get into the environment? 

Diesel is found in the environment as a result of accidental release from an industrial site or transport vehicle. There are no natural sources of diesel. 

If there is diesel in the environment will I have any adverse health effects? 

Like most chemicals, the amount of diesel you are exposed to must be above a certain level to cause adverse health effects. A short, one-off exposure to diesel will not normally cause any long-term health effects. Occasional skin exposure may lead to dermatitis (eczema). Breathing large quantities of diesel vapour or drinking diesel-based fluids may cause nonspecific signs and symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, headache and vomiting. A severe form of lung damage called pneumonitis may occur if liquid diesel is inhaled directly onto the lungs, for example, whilst manually siphoning a tank or from inhaling vomit after swallowing diesel. This is why it is important not to make someone sick if they have swallowed diesel. 

Can diesel cause cancer? 

There is limited evidence from animal studies that prolonged exposure may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. There is not thought to be any risk of cancer from short-term, occasional exposure. 

Can diesel affect or damage the unborn child? 

There is no evidence to suggest that exposure of a mother to diesel may harm the unborn child. However, as with all chemicals, it is obviously best to avoid unnecessary contact if possible. 

                             

Sources:
1) Health effect of diesel
https://www.who.int/ipcs/emergencies/diesel.pdf

2) Diesel Pollution
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/21/diesel-pollution-detected-two-water-treatment-plants-shut-down/