Pretty straightforward question. Diesel exhaust emits a crapload of harsh chemicals and particulates - the nanoparticulates are capable of channeling up through the olfactory nerve and embedding themselves in the brain, and many of the other chemicals therein the exhaust itself are bioaccumulative, meaning they get in your body and stay there...for decades.
I have a 2007 Ford Ranger. I always set my air conditioning to MAX A/C (recirculate) when on express ways and such, but I realize even that isn't going to defend me from the tiny particulates that do all the damage.
Earlier today, I got stuck behind a construction vehicle that was jetting off thick, dense plumes of exhaust into the air. I was behind it for approximately a quarter of mile, with nowhere whatsoever to go to seek safety or respite. I wasn't, however, actually able to smell the exhaust at all, but that isn't a denotation that the particulates weren't still pregnating the cabin and contesting the interior air of my vehicle...
Irregardless, question in point, can experiences like these sufficiently expose a healthy person to enough particulates or toxins to cause any harm to the lungs, or deposit the nanoparticles in the lung tissue itself? In addition, is it possible for the brain to be damaged from such short exposures like this, at all? Any brain cells whatsoever? And if so, would it be anywhere as significant an amount as having a bottle of beer, or is it a menial and totally negligible amount with absolutely no bearing on cognitive development and performance?
As far as my personal experience goes, I do have a headache, but I'm hesitant to correlate it, simply 'cause I've had the headache all day long from sinuses. My motor functions check out fine, my ABCs can be recited flawlessly, balance is in check, etc - neurologically, at least, no malign issues appear to be evident.
So what're some scientific, more knowledgeable opinions?
Diesel is horrible, dangerous stuff, and even very short exposures have been shown to generate oxidative stress in the brain. The exact mechanism for this has not yet been identified, but current speculation is it's because of the nanoparticulates channeling up through the olfactory nerve and embedding in brain tissue.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311075339.htm
And to the ignorant people who would claim that particulates cannot travel directly from the nose to the brain, be enlightened with this:
"In animals, it is known that particles from vehicle fumes can travel along the olfactory nerve, from the nose to the brain. Once there, the particles can damage cells and cause inflammation of brain tissue. Studies of dogs from heavily polluted areas of Mexico City, for example, showed that their brains had damage similar to that seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease."
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19726371.000;jsessionid=HEBLOJIMBLAC
This same study also correlated a deficit in IQ points with particulate pollution in city areas. It's really frightening stuff. Does this mean that everytime we get on the expressway that our brain takes damage?
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