Diesel Fumes and Potential Health Risks
Overexposure to diesel fumes can pose certain risks to a person's health.
If the exposure is short-term, the health risks are usually minimal.
Long-term exposure has the capacity to cause serious complications that can end up being fatal.
Diesel technology is a major driving force behind much of today's preventative measures benefiting diesel mechanics in the work environment.
Just think of the power plants, hydraulics systems, locomotives and farming equipment that depend on it.
The technology is here to stay, and the men and women working in the industry can feel secure that much is being done on an ongoing basis to make the work environment a safe place to earn a living.
However, if you've been exposed to diesel fumes over a long period of time, it's possible you may experience the following symptoms or illnesses: Bodily Irritation There are a number of bodily irritations that can be experienced from lengthy exposure to diesel fumes, which may include eye or respiratory tract inflammations.
These are quite often mild irritations, and can disappear within weeks after symptoms appear.
Dermatitis Inflammation Inflammation of the skin, dermatitis, is typically non-life threatening and is characterized by reddened, swollen, itchy skin.
For most people, it can be a very uncomfortable experience.
For others who already have some type of skin irritation, coming into contact with a raw diesel element can heighten the inflammatory symptoms.
Shortness of Breath and Coughing Exposure to diesel fumes for any length of time may also cause coughing and shortness of breath.
If exposure continues long enough, the effects can become chronic and lead to more serious health issues.
Lung disease, heart disease and other immune system problems along with the development of cancer can also be the result of a lengthy overexposure to diesel fumes.
From working around asbestos, to the petroleum fields, to being employed as a team member of a mining operation or an office worker performing the same tasks over and over, there will always be potential risks involved that are inherent within every work environment.
The truth is everyone has to work his or her trade to earn a living.
The key is to learn and follow the safety rules.
By doing so, diesel mechanics and industry professionals can minimize and hopefully avoid the risks associated with diesel fumes.
If the exposure is short-term, the health risks are usually minimal.
Long-term exposure has the capacity to cause serious complications that can end up being fatal.
Diesel technology is a major driving force behind much of today's preventative measures benefiting diesel mechanics in the work environment.
Just think of the power plants, hydraulics systems, locomotives and farming equipment that depend on it.
The technology is here to stay, and the men and women working in the industry can feel secure that much is being done on an ongoing basis to make the work environment a safe place to earn a living.
However, if you've been exposed to diesel fumes over a long period of time, it's possible you may experience the following symptoms or illnesses: Bodily Irritation There are a number of bodily irritations that can be experienced from lengthy exposure to diesel fumes, which may include eye or respiratory tract inflammations.
These are quite often mild irritations, and can disappear within weeks after symptoms appear.
Dermatitis Inflammation Inflammation of the skin, dermatitis, is typically non-life threatening and is characterized by reddened, swollen, itchy skin.
For most people, it can be a very uncomfortable experience.
For others who already have some type of skin irritation, coming into contact with a raw diesel element can heighten the inflammatory symptoms.
Shortness of Breath and Coughing Exposure to diesel fumes for any length of time may also cause coughing and shortness of breath.
If exposure continues long enough, the effects can become chronic and lead to more serious health issues.
Lung disease, heart disease and other immune system problems along with the development of cancer can also be the result of a lengthy overexposure to diesel fumes.
From working around asbestos, to the petroleum fields, to being employed as a team member of a mining operation or an office worker performing the same tasks over and over, there will always be potential risks involved that are inherent within every work environment.
The truth is everyone has to work his or her trade to earn a living.
The key is to learn and follow the safety rules.
By doing so, diesel mechanics and industry professionals can minimize and hopefully avoid the risks associated with diesel fumes.