NANO-SOOT FROM DIESEL MAY CAUSE BRAIN-DAMAGE

ABC/REUTERS:

Inhaling diesel exhaust triggers a stress response in the brain that may have damaging long-term effects on brain function, Dutch researchers said on Tuesday.

Previous studies have found very small particles of soot, or nanoparticles, are able to travel from the nose and lodge in the brain. But this is the first time researchers have demonstrated a change in brain activity.

... Further research is needed to determine the clinical effect of this stress and whether it has any long-term impact on verbal and non-verbal intelligence or memory abilities.

Still, the result appears to be another black mark for nanoparticles found in traffic fumes, which have already been linked with increased rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

• MAYBE WE NEED TO WALK AROUND WEARING GAS MASKS WITH NANO-FILTERS.
• OR OR PUT THEM ON TRUCK EXHAUSTS.
• AND ON THE EXHAUSTS OF ALL THE NEW HIGH MPG DIESEL CARS COMING OUT.