Diesel fumes cause cancer, says World Health Organization

Diesel technology has come a long way. Volkswagen's TDI lineup remains a fairly popular alternative for those feeling the squeeze at the gas pumps, and now BMW is putting the stuff in an M-car. Diesel is, no doubt, filling a larger role in the automotive world.

A recent study by the World Health Organizations is making car manufacturers nervous however, as the WHO unanimously agrees that diesel fumes are causing cancer in humans. The organization moved the fumes to what they call Group 1 - substances that have a definite link to cancer. The same category as asbestos, arsenic and mustard gas.

The auto industry however, argues the risk classification should be lower, given the extremely tight nature of modern emissions standards and the billions invested in order to meet them. Despite the report, experts say it's unlikely this will affect the expansion of diesel vehicles in North America.

The Star reports that diesel sales in North America take up about 5.5 per cent of total auto sales, but that number may increase to nearly 10 per cent by 2015.