| Overexposure to diesel fumes can pose certain risks | | | | itchy skin. For most people, it can be a very |
| to a person's health. If the exposure is short-term, the | | | | uncomfortable experience. For others who already |
| health risks are usually minimal. Long-term exposure | | | | have some type of skin irritation, coming into contact |
| has the capacity to cause serious complications that | | | | with a raw diesel element can heighten the |
| can end up being fatal. Diesel technology is a major | | | | inflammatory symptoms. |
| driving force behind much of today's preventative | | | | Shortness of Breath and Coughing |
| measures benefiting diesel mechanics in the work | | | | Exposure to diesel fumes for any length of time may |
| environment. | | | | also cause coughing and shortness of breath. If |
| Just think of the power plants, hydraulics systems, | | | | exposure continues long enough, the effects can |
| locomotives and farming equipment that depend on it. | | | | become chronic and lead to more serious health |
| The technology is here to stay, and the men and | | | | issues. |
| women working in the industry can feel secure that | | | | Lung disease, heart disease and other immune system |
| much is being done on an ongoing basis to make the | | | | problems along with the development of cancer can |
| work environment a safe place to earn a living. | | | | also be the result of a lengthy overexposure to diesel |
| However, if you've been exposed to diesel fumes | | | | fumes. |
| over a long period of time, it's possible you may | | | | From working around asbestos, to the petroleum fields, |
| experience the following symptoms or illnesses: | | | | to being employed as a team member of a mining |
| Bodily Irritation | | | | operation or an office worker performing the same |
| There are a number of bodily irritations that can be | | | | tasks over and over, there will always be potential |
| experienced from lengthy exposure to diesel fumes, | | | | risks involved that are inherent within every work |
| which may include eye or respiratory tract | | | | environment. |
| inflammations. These are quite often mild irritations, and | | | | The truth is everyone has to work his or her trade to |
| can disappear within weeks after symptoms appear. | | | | earn a living. The key is to learn and follow the safety |
| Dermatitis Inflammation | | | | rules. By doing so, diesel mechanics and industry |
| Inflammation of the skin, dermatitis, is typically non-life | | | | professionals can minimize and hopefully avoid the |
| threatening and is characterized by reddened, swollen, | | | | risks associated with diesel fumes. |