Regulations for protection against exhaust fumes in the workplace

Pollutants accumulate rapidly in halls, depots and workshops when combustion and diesel engines are running. These include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO/NO₂), benzene, other hydrocarbons and soot particles. Even brief exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, headaches, dizziness and circulatory problems. The WHO classifies diesel exhaust gases as carcinogenic - repeated or prolonged exposure increases the risk of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer.

Ultrafine particles (UFP) are particularly critical: they are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation and cell damage. In the long term, this promotes genetic changes and tumor development. There is also a safety risk: certain exhaust gas components are flammable - without controlled capture and discharge, the risk of ignition events increases.