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Last Updated: Apr 16, 2008 - 5:52:06 PM |
TURSDAY March 13, 2008 (Foodconsumer.org) -- Diesel fumes are known to be toxic and a risk factor for respiratory cardiovascular disease among other things. A new Dutch study released on Tuesday now suggests that inhaling diesel exhaust stresses the brain and may damage its function.
Paul Borm, lead researcher of the study, at Zuyd University and colleagues placed 10 volunteers in a room filled with exhaust from a diesel engine for one hour and monitored their brain waves with an instrument known as electroencephalograph or EEG. The fume level was similar to that encountered on a busy road or in a garage.
The study published in the journal Particle and Fiber Toxicology showed an exposure of diesel exhaust for about 30 minutes triggered the brain to display a stress response.
Diesel exhaust contains a range of toxic substances including benzene although many studies linked the particulates in the fumes to increased risk of certain diseases. And early studies have warned that children should avoid exposure to diesel exhaust from school buses.
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