Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust: IOSH publishes pocket card
Wigston, England — The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health has released a pocket card intended to help protect workers from diesel exhaust fumes.
At least 38,000 people die worldwide each year as a result of overexposure to nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel vehicles, according to IOSH. These emissions can cause lung cancer, asthma and chronic pulmonary disease.
Advice provided on the card includes turning off engines when they are not required to run. Also recommended is the use of workplace air extraction and tailpipe exhaust extraction systems. For taxi drivers, couriers and other vehicle operators, IOSH advises they keep their windows rolled up.
“Studies have found that ventilation settings in vehicles can reduce exposure by up to 75%, and switching from open windows to closed windows and recirculated air in a car can lead to a reduction of 32% of dangerous black carbon particulate exposure in DEEEs,” IOSH states in a Nov. 4 press release.
The organization published the pocket card on the fifth anniversary of its No Time to Lose campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of work-related cancers and assist employers in taking action by providing free resources.
OSHA provides its own advice and resources regarding diesel exhaust fumes.
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