Diesel: general information
Updated 10 October 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diesel-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/diesel-general-information
Overview
Diesel is a complex mixture of chemicals mainly obtained from the distillation of crude oil. Diesel is produced by mixing fractions of crude oil distillates (petrochemicals) with various, brand-specific additives. Under normal conditions it is a liquid with a characteristic odour.
Uses of diesel
Diesel is mainly used as a fuel for road vehicles, although other forms of transport (such as ships and trains) and electricity generators also use certain types of diesel. In the UK, ‘diesel’ or DERV refers to a fuel for running cars, vans, and lorries; however, the term is also used to describe a range of different fuels, all of which differ considerably in composition and physical properties.
Most diesel is ultra-low in sulphur content in order to limit the emission of sulphur-containing pollutants from engine exhaust fumes.
Diesel is also used as a cleaning solvent for tanks, engines, and refinery equipment.
How diesel gets into the environment
Release of diesel into the environment could occur following an accident where diesel is produced, transported, stored, used, or disposed of. There are no natural sources of diesel.
Exposure to diesel
Exposure to diesel at home is uncommon; although limited skin exposure may occur whilst refuelling vehicles and lung exposure may occur from inhaling liquid if siphoning by mouth. Leakage of diesel onto hot engine manifolds may release small droplets of diesel into the air which may be breathed in.
Exposure to diesel may occur in jobs which involve manual filling or discharging operations within the petrochemical industry, repair, or service of diesel engines or from practices where diesel is used as a cleaning agent or solvent.
How exposure to diesel can affect your health
The presence of diesel in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed to diesel by breathing its fumes, drinking it, or by skin or eye contact with it. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
Drinking diesel may lead to nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In serious cases damage to the digestive tract, coma, loss of muscle control, and heart and lung problems can occur. A severe form of lung damage called pneumonitis may occur if liquid diesel is inhaled directly into the lungs, for example, whilst manually siphoning a tank or from inhaling vomit after swallowing diesel. This is why it is important not to make someone sick if they have swallowed diesel. If diesel is swallowed, medical advice should be obtained immediately.
Breathing in diesel fumes (not vehicle exhaust) may cause dizziness, drowsiness headaches. Breathing in large amounts can result in coma, loss of muscle control, heart and lung problems. Diesel can cause the skin to become irritated, dry and cracked; if the skin is exposed for a long time then burns may develop. Dermatitis (eczema) can develop if exposure to the skin happens often.
Diesel is highly flammable; it and its fumes may cause fire or explosions if not handled appropriately.
Diesel and cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has stated that the evidence is not enough to suggest that exposure to diesel can cause cancer in humans; but that heavy diesel fuels (marine diesel) could possibly do so.
IARC has classified the exhaust fumes of diesel engines (after the fuel has been burnt) as causing cancer in humans. The evaluation is based largely on studies of workers who were heavily exposed for a long time.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
There is no evidence to suggest that exposure of a mother to diesel may harm the unborn child, at levels that do not affect the mother.
Children
Children are expected to have similar effects when exposed to diesel as adults.
What to do if you are exposed to diesel
You should remove yourself from the source of exposure.
If you have ingested diesel, seek medical advice. Do not make yourself sick.
If you have got diesel on your skin, remove soiled clothing, wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
If you have got diesel in your eyes, remove contact lenses, irrigate the affected eye with lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
Additional sources of information
NHS Choices - Poisoning
GOV.UK - Storing oil at your home or business
UKTIS - Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.
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