Malignant neoplasm of the lung - Heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust Factor
The RMA has defined being heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust as:
“1. being an occupant in an enclosed diesel powered heavy vehicle cabin contaminated with diesel fumes; or
2. working in an enclosed space where diesel powered engines or motors are being operated; or
3. repairing and/or servicing diesel engines.”
In March 2001 the then defence minister Peter Reith acknowledged that soldiers working in armoured personnel carriers, known as M113s may be exposed to diesel fumes. The M113 fleet has particular problems because the carrier’s exhaust flue blows smoke into the face of the crew commander in the carrier’s turret.
However, the RMA definition above clearly covers a range of situations other than the M113 crew. The following groups of workers are exposed to diesel particulates although such exposure may or may not reach the levels required by the SOP:
- forklift truck operators
- car mechanics and professional drivers
- fire fighters
- bus garage workers
- railroad workers
- mine workers
- trucking company workers
- parking garage attendants
Additional information about the scope and nature of particular service occupations may be located in Physical requirements, duties, and workplace hazards of specific military occupations.
Last reviewed for CCPS 18 July 2007.
Investigative Documents
| Type | Title | PDF Format | Word Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claimant Report | Heavy Exposure to Diesel Engine Exhaust |
Preliminary questions [31689]
31690 there is some evidence that heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
31691 the veteran has established the causal connection between heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust and VEA service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
31692 the veteran has established the causal connection between heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust and operational service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
or
31693 the veteran has established the causal connection between heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust and eligible service for the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the lung.
Clinical onset and operational service [31692]
31694 the veteran has been heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 10,000 hours at some time.
31697 the veteran was heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 10,000 hours at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
34299 operational service made a material contribution to the veteran's heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 10,000 hours at least five years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
Clinical onset and eligible service [31693]
31695 the veteran has been heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 15,000 hours at some time.
31698 the veteran was heavily exposed to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 15,000 hours at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
31696 eligible service made a material contribution to the veteran's heavy exposure to diesel engine exhaust for a cumulative period of at least 15,000 hours at least ten years before the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.