The World Health Organization declared on 12-6-12 that diesel fumes
cause lung cancer. According to experts, diesel fumes are more
carcinogenic than secondhand cigarette smoke.
In a decision announced in Lyon, France, after a week long
meeting to review scientific data, W.H.O. elevated diesel fumes to
"Group 1 Carcinogen" status. Smoking, asbestos, ultraviolet radiation,
etc. are also in "Group 1 Carcinogen" list.
Countries who are members of W.H.O. including India are expected to follow suit and declare diesel fumes a carcinogen.
Reacting to the dangers posed by secondhand smoking to
non-smokers, India banned smoking in public places a few years ago by
enacting The Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008. Since
diesel fumes pose a bigger risk to millions of people such as heavy
vehicle drivers and persons who live or conduct business near major
roads and highways, the government is bound to take some legal action on
diesel fumes also.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) S.G. Vombatkere, Mysore Grahakara Parishat