J Occup Environ Med

OBJECTIVES To investigate the comparative acute health effects associated with exposures to diesel and 75% biodiesel/25% diesel (B75) blend fuel emissions. METHODS We analyzed multiple health endpoints in 48 healthy adults before and after exposures to diesel and B75 emissions in an underground mine setting: lung function; lung and systemic inflammation; novel biomarkers of exposure; and oxidative stress were assessed. RESULTS B75 reduced respirable diesel particulate matter (rDPM) by 20%. Lung function declined significantly more following exposure to diesel emissions. Lung inflammatory cells along with sputum and plasma inflammatory mediators increased significantly to similar levels with both exposures. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative stress, was not significantly changed following either exposure. CONCLUSIONS Use of B75 lowered rDPM exposure and some associated acute health effects, although lung and systemic inflammation were not reduced compared with diesel use.

26147538

PMC4479787

Journal Article

CDC Public Access