Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Diesel exhaust
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Diesel exhaust: The exhaust generated by diesel engines. This exhaust is a complex mixture of combustion products of diesel fuel. The exact composition depends on the type of engine, the speed and load at which it is run, and the composition of the fuel used.
In the year 2000 the US government classified diesel exhaust particulates as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" -- an agent that causes cancer. There are findings now available of elevated lung cancer rates in occupational groups exposed to diesel exhaust. These groups include railroad workers, mine workers, bus garage workers, and trucking company workers.
See also: Diesel exhaust particle.