Diesel Exhaust Fumes Causes changes in EEG in Humans

Nanoparticles (found in diesel exhaust of new higher efficiency diesel engines) have been shown to get to the brain, and may potentially influence the central nervous system. This study exposed 10 human volunteers to dilute diesel exhaust fumes which contain nanoparticles of soot and to filtered air for one hour using a double blind randomized crossover design. Brain activity was monitored during and for one hour following each exposure. Results showed a response to diesel exhaust fumes in the frontal cortex of the brain within 30 min into exposure.

The concern is that there is a molecular toxicity to diesel exhaust. Inflammation, from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals in the exhaust fumes cause lung toxicity and may play a role in the EEG changes that this study revealed. inhaled Nanoparticles are able to
pass into the brain via the olfactory nerves where they have been associated with
inflammatory changes in the brain. Passage into the brain is of great concern since nanoparticles are strong inducers of oxidative stress and the brain is very sensitive to damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been thought to be related to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. It is possible that the long-term effects of diesel exhaust fume exposure might include a decrease in cognitive function(memory and thinking).

from an abstract

http://www.particleandfibretoxicology.com/content/pdf/1743-8977-5-4.pdf