Diesel particulate monitoring has been growing in popularity for some years now, in particular real-time laser based monitoring systems and instruments which collect, time and date stamp measurement data for users to analyze.

Diesel particulate matter (DPM) has long since been classified by the WHO (World Health Organization) as carcinogenic to humans, linking it directly to cancer and or other health effects.

While traditional monitoring instruments, (such as air sampling pumps) are widely used and have their place, these do not provide real-time indicative measurements. Real-time diesel particulate monitoring instruments have been around for many years now and these can really prove very beneficial to organizations in being able to monitor and control diesel particulate exposure.

Diesel Particulate Monitoring

Our staff at Alpha Scientific have decades of experience with particle instruments and were involved in the development of and supply of some of the first real real-time diesel particulate monitoring systems and instruments sold in Australasia.

Transport companies, the mining industry and many others use diesel-powered vehicles and equipment and this equipment exhausts potentially hazardous and carcinogenic ultra-fine particulates into the air.

Exposure to diesel particulates can have various health effects, particularly on the respiratory system. Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is made up of tiny particles that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can cause inflammation and damage to lung tissue. Some of the health effects associated with exposure to diesel particulates include:

• Respiratory problems: Exposure to diesel particulates has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Cardiovascular problems: Diesel particulates can also have negative impacts on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Cancer: Long-term exposure to diesel particulates has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer, such as bladder cancer.
• Neurological effects: There is also evidence to suggest that exposure to diesel particulates may have negative impacts on the nervous system, including effects on cognitive function and behavior.
• Reproductive and developmental effects: Exposure to diesel particulates has been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, including low birth weight, premature birth, and reduced fertility.

Overall, exposure to diesel particulates is a serious public health concern, particularly for those who work in occupations where exposure is more likely, such as truck drivers, construction workers, and miners.

Measures to reduce exposure to diesel particulates, such as using cleaner fuels and engines, implementing emission controls, and improving ventilation, can help protect workers and improve public health. Diesel particluate monitoring can prove highly beneficial in identifying imission sources and hot spots, not to mention worker exposure over time.