HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE EMISSIONS

A review of the published literature was made to determine whether there are health and/or safety effects of long-term exposure to low concentrations of diesel emissions within the ranges reported in actual railroad operations. No consistent evidence was found linking low concentrations of diesel emissions to long-term health effects or short-term respiratory function. Evidence was found linking emissions to eye irritation. Interviews with union officials and operating crews, letters from union members, union file material, and miscellaneous locomotive and caboose inspection reports pointed to the conclusion that diesel emissions are not a widespread or frequent problem in the railroad environment.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared for U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Research and Development at the request of Naval Weapons Support Center, Crane, Indiana.
• Corporate Authors:

  Navy Personnel Research and Development Center

  San Diego, CA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Peay, J M
  • Sanders, M S
• Publication Date: 1978-4

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 69 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Bibliographies; Cabooses; Cabs (Vehicle compartments); Carbon monoxide; Diesel engine exhaust gases; Diesel locomotives; Human factors; Nitric oxide; Nitrogen oxides; Physiological aspects; Safety; Toxicity
• Old TRIS Terms: Physiological factors
• Subject Areas: Environment; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00179116
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Railroad Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA/ORD-78/18
• Contract Numbers: AR-74312
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 29 1978 12:00AM