Exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DEE) on some Ontario construction sites, at levels deemed unsafe in other jurisdictions, is prompting calls for greater worker protection.

The new study builds on other research which concluded that exposure to diesel engine exhaust, at levels lower than previously considered acceptable, can significantly contribute to the burden of cancer. For health and safety advocates, this mounting evidence supports the urgent adoption of more effective controls including specific regulation of DEE in all workplaces.

Exposure to DEE is widespread in mining, transportation, agriculture, and construction sectors given their reliance on diesel-powered equipment. Until now though, few studies have delved more deeply into these exposures especially within the construction industry. In this study, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development Occupational Health, Safety and Prevention Innovation Program, Canadian researchers set out to measure and characterize DEE exposure levels in construction work environments.

CAREX Canada estimates some 996,000 Canadians are exposed to DEE at work. A 2017 report on the Burden of Occupational Cancer in Ontario identified DEE as a priority carcinogen estimating 301,000 Ontario workers, nearly five per cent of the working population, are exposed to DEE every year accounting for 170 lung and 45 bladder cancer cases.

DEE is a complex mixture of gases and diesel particulate matter that is difficult to isolate and measure. As such, researchers often use elemental carbon (EC) as a surrogate measure for the carcinogenic effects of DEE. For this study, researchers collected EC measurements at seven civil infrastructure construction worksites and one trades training facility in Ontario. They also collected full-shift personal air samples from workers’ breathing zone. After each shift, workers also completed a questionnaire to gather more information to help identify potential determinants of exposure.

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