Some California Workers and Residents at Risk of Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter

Recently, the California Air Resources Board worked alongside the California Highway Patrol in East Los Angeles. The joint effort inspected heavy-duty trucks to check for compliance with the state’s air pollution regulations. The inspections focused on the exhaust from these trucks since those that have not been properly maintained or configured can not only cause unsightly air pollution, but also impact people’s health when they breathe polluted air.   

Diesel engines provide power for a wide variety of vehicles, heavy equipment and other machinery used in a number of industries. Diesel engines are commonly used for transportation, construction, agriculture, mining, maritime and many types of manufacturing operations. Workers in these industries as well as people who live or work in areas where these types of vehicles and equipment are utilized could be at risk of exposure to elevated levels of diesel particulate matter (DPM), which is a component of diesel exhaust (DE). DPM includes soot particles made up primarily of carbon, ash, metallic abrasion particles, sulfates and silicates. Diesel soot particles have a solid core consisting of elemental carbon, with other substances attached to the surface, including organic carbon compounds known as aromatic hydrocarbons.

“The exhaust from diesel engines contains a mixture of gases and very small particles that can create a health hazard if not properly controlled,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “In fact, diesel engine exhaust was added to California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity for purposes of Proposition 65 back in 1990. Prolonged diesel particulate matter and diesel exhaust exposure can increase the risk of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and respiratory diseases, in addition to lung cancer.”

To protect workers, the public and to keep companies in regulatory compliance, LA Testing offers air testing services and particle monitoring equipment to identify these potential exposure concerns. They have also sponsored an educational video about diesel exhaust, particulate matter and air quality issues that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/mAjDvBwKFWE.   

To learn more about air quality, occupational and environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro and South Pasadena.
 

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LA Testing

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