Link found between diesel fumes and childhood brain tumours

Parents who are exposed to diesel fumes at work have an increased risk of their child developing a brain tumour, according to new research.

The study found children had an increased risk of brain tumour if their fathers worked near diesel-powered equipment around the time of conception, or if their mothers were exposed to diesel exhaust fumes any time prior to the child’s birth.

Exhaust fumes from non-diesel engines were not found to be linked to childhood brain tumours.

Researchers are now looking for possible links between childhood brain tumours and other occupational exposures, such as pesticides and solvents.

Read more at University of Western Australia

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  2. Peter Ormonde

    Peter Ormonde is a Friend of The Conversation.

    Farmer

    I recall reading several years back that four of the most carcinogenic substances ever identified are found in partially combusted diesel fumes - the black clouds of an engine under load.

    I've just had a bit of a hunt about and two compounds in particular seem rather serious - 3-Nitrobenzanthrone and antimony compounds.

    When I was pushing my infant son about in a pram in the city years back I was most conscious of the fact that he was directly at face level with exhaust pipes and it was quite amazing how often in traffic and crossing the road I realised he was getting a face full of the stuff.

    Just because we don't see it it seems we don't think it's an issue. Personally I'd like to see petrol and diesel emissions dyed bright orange - so we can see ourselves from space. So we can see what we are actually doing when we duck down the shops for a bottle of milk.

    I think it would be most useful to see more discussion of this issue here and elsewhere.

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