For the past two weeks, several neighborhoods in the Benito Juárez borough of Mexico City have faced a worrying water contamination situation. According to the mayors of this district and the Álvaro Obregón district, the contamination contains traces of some type of diesel (April 16, 2024, 2:41 a.m. MX)[1].

Diesel is a complex mixture containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which persist after a spill, easily pass from water to tissues, and are toxic. These effects have been studied in some species, such as fish. The bioavailability and chronic toxicity of hydrocarbons dissolved in water from floating diesel (water-entrained fraction) and chemically dispersed diesel (chemically enhanced water-entrained fraction) are measured by different chemical methods[2].

In this regard, what has been widely studied is diesel air pollution, that is, the emissions that vehicles emit when using this fuel to generate energy. This exposure can manifest in humans in a number of ways; such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases[3]; and long-term: colorectal cancer[4], kidney cancer[5], among others.

Some studies report that, depending on the dyes added to diesel, they can cause health problems, such as: chromosomal aberrations have been observed in mammalian cells (specifically in metaphase, a stage in the replication process of DNA, the cell's hereditary material); other alterations include skin and eye irritation, photodermatosis, various types of epidermal hyperplasia, acne, and skin cancer; the latter two only occur after long periods of exposure. It can also worsen conditions such as eczema and psoriasis[6].

Therefore, if you notice any of these conditions, see your doctor immediately. In our e-commerce, you will find products to protect yourself from this threat to your health. Energy sources are important for the development of society, but they must be treated with respect, care, and following safety and hygiene rules.

[1] In: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2024/04/16/alcaldes-de-la-benito-juarez-y-alvaro-obregon-afirman-que-agua-contaminada-en-cdmx-si-tiene-algun-tipo-de-diesel/

[2] Schein A, Scott JA, Mos L, Hodson PV. Oil dispersion increases the apparent bioavailability and toxicity of diesel to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Environ Toxicol Chem. 2009 Mar;28(3):595-602. doi: 10.1897/08-315.1. Epub 2008 Oct 21.

[3] Oeder S, Kanashova T, Sippula O, et al. Particulate matter from both heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel shipping emissions show strong biological effects on human lung cells at realistic and comparable in vitro exposure conditions. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 3;10(6):e0126536. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126536. eCollection 2015.

[4] Kachuri L, Villeneuve PJ, Parent MÉ, et al. Workplace exposure to diesel and gasoline engine exhausts and the risk of colorectal cancer in Canadian men. Environ Health. 2016 Jan 14;15:4. doi:10.1186/s12940-016-0088-1.

[5] Peters CE, Parent MÉ, Harris SA, et al. Occupational Exposure to Diesel and Gasoline Engine Exhausts and the Risk of Kidney Cancer in Canadian Men. Ann Work Expo Health. 2018 Oct 15;62(8):978-989. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxy059.

[6] Fischer T, Bjarnason B. Sensitizing and irritant properties of 3 environmental classes of diesel oil and their indicator dyes. Contact Dermatitis. 1996 May;34(5):309-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1996.tb02213.x.