New Delhi: Inhaling fumes from diesel engines can cause lung cancer; the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared, confirming a concern that was first raised in 1988.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of WHO, announced the findings on Wednesday.

Christopher Portier, chairman of IARC Working Group, stated in a release, “The scientific evidence was compelling and the Working Group’s conclusion was unanimous: diesel engine exhaust causes lung cancer in humans.” He added, “Given the additional health impacts from diesel particulates, exposure to this mixture of chemicals should be reduced worldwide.”