Diesel fumes are danger to health, warns report

Diesel engines pose a serious public health threat, pumping out high levels of tiny particles that cause breathing problems, health specialists have warned.

Diesel engines pose a serious public health threat, pumping out high levels of tiny particles that cause breathing problems, health specialists have warned.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) looked at levels of PM10 picked up at monitoring points around the country. The tiny particles of soot, dust, smoke, fumes and aerosols enter the air sacs in the lungs where they can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The effects on those with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema could be far more serious, respiratory physio- therapists warned.

World Health Organisation experts believe there is no safe limit for exposure to PM10.

The CSP said its analysis revealed there were high levels across the UK, with an average of 23.3 micrograms per cubic metre of air (micrograms/m ³).

The highest level was found on London's Marylebone Road, with 43 micrograms/m ³, followed by Camden, also in London, with 32 micrograms/m ³.

The CSP said it wanted the UK to follow the Japanese example where Tokyo is considering banning vehicles with certain types of engines in built-up areas and wants car manufacturers to make sure diesel engines become cleaner.