Diesel Exhaust Exposure and Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. - about 27% of all deaths from cancer can be attributed to this form of the disease, and more people die of lung cancer each year than of breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. According to the American Cancer Society, men have a 1 in 13 chance of developing lung cancer in their lifetimes, while women have a 1 in 16 probability. And, unfortunately, the last several decades have seen little significant progress in lung cancer treatment.

Public awareness campaigns along with surgeon generals’ warnings have made most aware of the link between smoking and lung cancer. But other cancer causing substances may often go unrecognized, including many encountered during the course of a day’s work. One such substance of particular concern is diesel exhaust, a recently classified human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. While those who've been heavily exposed are clearly at a greater risk of harm, even infrequent diesel exhaust fume exposure can be hazardous, and some cities are beginning to grow concerned that diesel exhaust may even be an emerging public health hazard.

Workers especially at risk for excessive diesel exhaust exposure include truck drivers, bus operators, miners, railroad workers, and longshoremen. However, even minimal exposure can cause deleterious effects in workers who are repeatedly exposed to these fumes on the job.

Over 10,000 Americans die each year from work-related lung cancer. If you’re repeatedly exposed to diesel exhaust on the job and have developed lung cancer or another disabling condition, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney today to see if you have a workers’ compensation claim for lung cancer.