Inhaled diesel
exhaust triggers a stress response in the brain. This could have
damaging long-term effects on brain function in people living in areas
with high traffic pollution.
Small particles of soot, or nanoparticles, can travel up
the nose and lodge in the brain. It is conceivable that this could
interfere with normal brain function and information processing.
10 male volunteers, aged 18 to 39, were placed in a room
filled with exhaust from a diesel engine for one hour. After about 30
minutes, EEG brain wave patterns displayed a stress response,
suggesting changes in information processing in the brain cortex.
IAQ Tip
HVAC outside air intakes can pull in exhaust from
loading docks, parking garages or street level building intakes causing
odor problems or allergies type symptoms from
the nanoparticles. Here are some tips to resolve this IAQ
problem.
Relocate loading dock or outside air intakes
Have drivers turn off engines while unloading
Use PlymoVent Vehicle Exhaust products to remove
exhaust and transport or filter it.
Use Triple Blend media & MERV-16 filtration
on outside air intakes