What Car Q&A January 2009 - Cancer cars?

Cancer cars?
Are diesel engines worse for the environment? I have heard they puff out a dangerous chemical that can cause cancer.

Unlike petrol-engined cars, diesels do produce sooty particulate emissions, which have been linked to lung cancer and breathing problems. To counter this, many modern diesels have been fitted with particulate filters to catch these microscopic particles, so it’s gradually becoming less of an issue.

Generally speaking, diesel pollution is worse on a local level, whereas petrol cars are worse with regard to global warming – diesel engines typically produce lower carbon dioxide emissions than petrol engines. That’s why diesel cars are often cheaper to tax.