Diesel/cancer bogey returns
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AFTER YEARS of inactivity the bogey of lung cancer and diesel fumes has reared its tiresome head again. It has been revived in Sweden where, according to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) "a large-scale health investigation among professional drivers . . shows that lorry drivers, despite the fact that they smoke less than other groups, have a higher than average death rate from lung cancer.
"One of the industrial doctors involved in the investigation believes that the cause may be found in the lorry drivers breathing in diesel fumes and other exhaust gases during periods spent in city traffic jams."
How long will it be before the anti-lorry lobby in Britain picks up the story, which British evidence disproved years ago?
Swedish taxi drivers are said to "suffer-mainly from ear, nose and throat problems, followed by stomach and internal disord .ers as well as those affecting th( joints. Similar illnesses were re ported among driving instruc tors," but says ITE "bon( damage and allergies were els( common."
Whether the bone damag( was caused by learner drivers ir unknown but I can well under stand instructors being allergir to their pupils.