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A Dutch study analyzing the effects of diesel soot particles on human brain functions has made its way into the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology, a favorite light read around the Autoblog offices. The research indicates that not only do nanoparticles from diesel fumes make their way up the nasal passages and into your brain, yes your brain, but they also trigger a mental stress response. This is observed through brain wave activity, which, when stressed, reacts by altering typical information processing procedures within the cerebral cortex. While we skipped out on post-Doctoral work to wrench on our rides, we know that anything messing with our cerebral cortex can't be good.

The data was collected through ten volunteer subjects placed in a diesel exhaust filled room for one hour (sound like fun?), that mimicked the environment of a busy street or parking garage. Researchers then monitored the cranium activity of the human lab rats via an electroencephalograph. The findings lead to the conclusion that further investigation is necessary in order to determine the long-term versus short-term impact of these pollutants on human memory and intelligence.

[Source: Drive.au]

Diesel fumes are bad for your brain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel fumesdiesel fumes cerebral cortexDieselFumesDieselFumesCerebralCortexfumesTue, 11 Mar 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Nissan Versa is trying to kill you, with interior toxins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/your-nissan-versa-is-trying-to-kill-you-with-interior-toxins/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/your-nissan-versa-is-trying-to-kill-you-with-interior-toxins/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/your-nissan-versa-is-trying-to-kill-you-with-interior-toxins/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Every couple of years, a study comes out identifying the myriad of chemicals being absorbed by your lungs during your daily commute. Surprisingly, these studies don't focus on emissions, but rather turn their scientific eye towards the materials that make up the interior of your car.

The Ecology Center, a non-profit environmental group, performed tests utilizing an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device that can measure "the elemental composition of any material" and came away with the ten best and worst vehicles to be stuck inside. The Chevy Cobalt, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Honda Odyssey take top honors for having the fewest toxins, while the Nissan Versa, Chevy Aveo and Scion xB are the worst offenders.

The tests isolate toxins like, arsenic, bromine, chlorine and mercury, found in everything from the carpet to the dash board, but the Ecology Center didn't identify what the degree of risk is while sitting in start and stop traffic.

We've heard about this issue before, and while some maintain that it's a legitimate health concern, others are more skeptical.

You can check out all 20 best and worst vehicles after the jump.

[Source: HealthyCar.org via Autopia]

Continue reading Your Nissan Versa is trying to kill you, with interior toxins

Your Nissan Versa is trying to kill you, with interior toxins originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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