IARC classifies diesel engine exhaust as carcinogenic to humans

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified diesel engine exhaust as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1) on June 12, 2012. The Working Group concluded that there was sufficient evidence that diesel engine exhaust is a cause of lung cancer in humans, and limited evidence of an increased risk of bladder cancer due to exposure. Diesel engine exhaust was previously considered “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) based on a 1988 IARC review.

Gasoline engine exhaust was reaffirmed as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B).

IARC press release: Diesel engine exhaust carcinogenic

Videocast with Dr Christopher Wild, IARC Director