People whose jobs expose them to high levels of diesel fumes face an increased risk of lung cancer, a study by Swedish researchers found. Machinery and motor mechanics, miners and truck, bus, construction plant and forklift truck drivers were all identified as at risk. The authors said 2.7 per cent of all lung cancers could be attributed to diesel exhaust. They added: “The analysis of relative risk in relation to cumulative dose indicated an increased risk of lung cancer in the highest dose group, and a dose-response trend was present in terms of cumulative dose.” In 2013, a paper estimated the diesel exhaust component could be 5 per cent. In 2012, IARC gave diesel exhaust fumes a top group 1 ranking as a proven human carcinogen. This came after an industry campaign to try and block the move.

Per Gustavsson and others. Occupational Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk: A Population-based Case-Referent Study in Sweden, American Journal of Epidemiology, volume 152, number 1, pages 32-34, 2000.