Soot Fine particle soot is especially hazardous to our health because it gets trapped in the lungs, where it can act as an irritant, decreasing lung function and worsening existing respiratory problems. Between 40,000 and 70,000 Americans die prematurely each year from breathing soot. Scientists have warned that man- made pollution is causing a rise in global average temperatures, threatening our health and our future. Among the predicted consequences are increasingly frequent and severe weather events, spread of infectious disease, rising sea levels, and widespread ecological damage. More Than Their Fair Share of Pollution Emitting Deadly Toxics While only 2 percent of all vehicles on the road in the U.S. run on diesel, these vehicles are responsible for the lion's share of air pollution from motor vehicles.
Diesel soot is even worse for public health than other types of soot pollution.
Diesel soot contains at least 40 hazardous contaminants like arsenic, benzene and formaldehyde, which are known to cause cancer. A recent study by state and federal air quality administrators estimated that 125,000 cases of cancer in the U.S. have resulted from diesel bus and truck pollution. We've all had the experience of getting stuck in traffic behind a dirty diesel truck or bus, or getting a mouthful of diesel exhaust while biking or walking down the street. It's not pleasant. It smells and tastes bad, causes itchy eyes and sneezing, but worst of all, it is harmful to our health.