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New Study Reports No Risk of Lung Cancer from Today's New-Technology Diesel Engines
[January 27, 2015]

New Study Reports No Risk of Lung Cancer from Today's New-Technology Diesel Engines


The non-profit Health Effects Institute (HEI (News - Alert)) today released the results of a comprehensive scientific study that examined the health effects of emissions from new-technology diesel engines. The multi-year study, known as the Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study or ACES, found no evidence of carcinogenic lung tumors or pre-cancerous changes in lung tissue after laboratory animals were exposed to new-technology diesel engine exhaust over their lifetimes. The independently conducted and reviewed study concluded that exposure to diesel exhaust from new-technology diesel engines did not cause any increase in the risk of lung cancer or other significant adverse health effects in the study animals.

"HEI's ACES study confirms that new-technology diesel engines do not increase the risk of lung cancer, and that today's diesel engines have reduced real-world emissions to near-zero levels," said Jed Mandel, EMA (News - Alert) President. "ACES provides the rigorous evidence needed to assure policy makers and the public that new dieel emissions control technologies are achieving their intended results."



Earlier phases of the study confirmed that the emissions from new-technology diesel engines are not only at levels well-below those required by U.S. EPA standards, but also contain near-zero levels of the components of diesel exhaust that were thought to be harmful, such as particulate matter and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). The advanced technologies that were used in the ACES test engines have been installed in on-highway trucks and buses since 2007.

"EMA and its members have worked with the U.S. EPA and the California Air Resources Board to chart a new path forward and to develop and implement new, advanced technologies that reduce emissions, thereby improving air quality and public health," continued Mr. Mandel. "The HEI study provides the sound, science-based data necessary to conclude that today's diesel engines do not contribute to an increased risk of cancer."


Given the comprehensive approach used in the ACES study, its independent peer review, and HEI's reputation for integrity and sound science, EMA expects the ACES study results to play a central and significant role in any future evaluation of diesel technology health effects by regulatory agencies worldwide.

The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association is the trade association representing worldwide manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks and internal combustion engines used in applications such as trucks and buses, farm and construction equipment, locomotives, marine vessels, and lawn, garden, and utility equipment. EMA works with government and industry to help the nation achieve its goals of cleaner fuels, more efficient engines, cleaner air, and improved safety.

A Non Governmental Organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations


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