World health body classifies diesel exhaust as `potential carcinogen`

The World Health Organization has classified diesel engine fumes as a potential carcinogen, warning that diesel exhaust causes lung cancer and increases the risk of bladder cancer.

The France-based International Agency for Research on Cancer under the organization said Tuesday, "We have reclassified diesel exhaust from its Group 2A classification of probable carcinogens to Group 1 of carcinogens."

"After reviewing scientific evidence, members of our working group have unanimously agreed on the decision," the agency said, adding, "We have concluded that diesel exhaust causes lung cancer and has something to do with the increase in the risk of bladder cancer."

The cancer agency has classified substances into five categories based on their probability of causing cancer, including Group 1 for those carcinogenic to humans, 2A for those probably carcinogenic to humans, and Group 2B for those possibly carcinogenic to humans. Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic and alcohol are Group 1 substances, and gas engine fumes are included in Group 2B.

The health organization caused a global stir in May last year by classifying radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as probably carcinogenic to humans.

The decision will deal a blow to European and U.S. carmakers that have a large portion of diesel-powered cars among their products. Diesel cars account for about half of the European car market, 15 percent of the U.S. market, and 6 percent of the Korean market.

Korean car manufacturers said the focus of competition for leadership in the next-generation car market is likely to shift from pollution-reducing clean diesel to electric and hybrid cars.

imsoo@donga.com alwaysj@donga.com