Can you incur brain or lung damage by following behind construction vehicles or eighteen wheelers in a car?

Question

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?

Answer 1

Diesels are actually cleaner than the gas engine, the smoke that is produced is carbon, this ingestion of particulate will be comparable of your water you drink. they both have carbon in them.

Answer 2

I don't know who your Anatomy and Physiology teacher was, but they are wrong, there is no pathway from your smeller to your brain up a nerve.

I work with diesels in our work environs and all they check for is carbon particulate.

I think you are way to paranoid to drive among others.

Answer 3

You obviously need to see a doctor, and not for particulates.  You're suffering from a couple of neuroses.