Guidance

Diesel: toxicological overview

Updated 10 October 2024

Main points

Kinetics and metabolism

As diesel is a mixture of chemicals, there is no definitive ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) data.

Health effects of acute exposure

Diesel may be irritating to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin.

The main hazard associated with diesel is chemical pneumonitis that may arise following aspiration of vomitus (secondary to ingestion) or inhalation of aerosol (or aspiration of liquid) during manual siphoning.

Health effects of chronic exposure

Prolonged skin exposure to diesel may cause a variety of dermatitic conditions and is generally a result of inadequate or inappropriate use of personal protective equipment.

Diesel does not have a measurable effect on human reproduction or development.

There is currently no unequivocal evidence to link diesel with the incidence of cancer in humans but there is limited evidence for carcinogenicity in animals following prolonged exposure.

Toxicological overview

Diesel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons produced by blending several fractions of crude oil distillates with brand-specific chemical additives (Annex I) (1). The actual chemical composition of diesel varies widely according to the geographical source of crude oil, but generally comprises C₈ to C₂₁ aliphatic hydrocarbons (boiling range 160 to 360 ºC) with up to 25% aromatic compounds.

The (UK) technical terms for diesel are ‘Class A1 Fuel Oil’ and ‘Class A2 Fuel Oil’ and refer to use in domestic and agricultural vehicles, respectively (Annex II). For the purpose of this document, ‘diesel’ will be used as a synonym for A1 fuel oil.

Given its complex and highly variable composition, diesel is defined by physical characteristics rather than by chemical constituents (Annex III) (2).

This note does not consider diesel fumes arising from use in vehicle engines or from uncontrolled combustion.

The principal adverse effect arising from the ingestion of diesel is chemical pneumonitis (secondary to aspiration of vomitus) (3, 4).

There is limited evidence to suggest that diesel may be nephrotoxic (5, 6).

Ingestion of diesel or acute exposure to vapour may lead to general signs of intoxication such as mild CNS symptoms (dizziness, headache, nausea) and vomiting (7, 8).

Skin exposure to diesel may result in dermatitis (3, 7).

Certain types of diesels are non-genotoxic animal carcinogens and are classified as Category 3 carcinogens under Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002. (CHIP) (8, 9).

Sources and Route of Human Exposure

Occupational exposure may potentially occur during manual filling or discharge operations within the petrochemical industry (10), repair or service of diesel engines or from practices where diesel is used as a cleaning agent or solvent (9).

Domestic exposure to diesel is uncommon, although limited skin exposure may occur whilst refuelling domestic vehicles and pulmonary exposure may result from aspiration of liquid during manual siphoning. Leakage of diesel onto hot engine manifolds may liberate a respirable aerosol of micrometre-sized diesel particles (11).

 Large-scale environmental contamination has occurred following the release of diesel from storage tanks and sea tankers (9) and some concern has been expressed over health effects of vapour arising from contaminated soil (12).

Diesel accounted for all spillages resulting from road traffic incidents in the UK during 2003 and 42% of all significant (Environment Agency Category 1 or 2) pollution incidents for the same period (13).

Health effects of acute or single exposure

Human data

General toxicity

Under normal conditions of storage, handling or use as fuel, diesel should not present a hazard to health providing excessive skin contact is avoided (14). The main hazard associated with diesel is chemical pneumonitis that may arise following aspiration of vomitus (secondary to ingestion) or inhalation of aerosol (or aspiration of liquid) during manual siphoning (4, 8).

There are few studies investigating the toxicity of diesel per se. Therefore, toxicological evaluations of diesel tend to be derived by considering the toxicity of similar (middle distillate) products such as kerosene and petrol (4, 8, 9, 11). However, such comparisons do not consider the toxicity of brand-specific additives, the effects of which cannot be predicted from complex hydrocarbon mixtures. Therefore, this note will mainly consider studies that are specific to diesel.

Inhalation

One study has examined the effects of a combined exposure to diesel (5ppm) and acetaldehyde (0.5ppm) in Gulf War veterans but did not report any adverse effects in healthy volunteers (15).

It has been stated that inhalation of diesel vapour may lead to central nervous system (CNS) / respiratory depression and cardiac arrhythmias (7). There do not, however, appear to be any specific case studies to confirm these effects; it is assumed that the (limited) presence of low molecular weight hydrocarbons in diesel is sufficient to contribute to such signs of toxicity (16). Most clinical instances of myocardial sensitisation occur following exposure to volatile solvents such as those found in adhesives, lighter fluid, nail polish remover and aerosol propellants (17). Diesel vapour (at 37°C) predominantly contains C₁₀+ hydrocarbons (18).

Direct aspiration of diesel (19) or aspiration of contaminated vomit is a secondary source of pulmonary exposure that may lead to chemical (lipoidal) pneumonitis (20), a delayed onset and potentially fatal lung disorder characterised by cyanosis, dyspnoea, and chest x-ray opacities (21).

Ingestion

The signs of toxicity following oral intake are generally stated to include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritation of the aero-digestive and GI tracts (7). In one reported case of intentional self-poisoning, chemical pneumonitis was observed (which may have been due to aspiration of vomitus) (22).

Dermal or ocular exposure

Eye exposure to diesel may cause transient pain and/or hyperaemia (7). Diesel is generally considered to be less irritating to the eyes than other middle distillate fuels such as kerosene or petrol (8).

Acute dermal exposure may result in local irritation (erythema, pruritis) which is generally more severe than that seen with other middle distillate products (23). The incorporation of additives (such as biocides) may augment dermal sensitivity to diesel (24). It has been suggested that the inclusion of visible markers (dyes) may increase the self-perceived dermal irritancy of diesel (25).

Neurotoxicity

No reports on the neurological effects of human diesel exposure were available in the literature. However, diesel is known to contain a number of potentially neurotoxic substances (11) and exposure to other mid-distillate fuels has resulted in neurological disorders including drowsiness, neurasthenia and decreased sensorimotor speed (4).

Nephrotoxicity

Several case studies have cited acute renal failure (secondary to acute renal tubular necrosis) as a potential complication following acute exposure to diesel (6, 8, 9, 26). Signs included oliguria (progressing to anuria), nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.

Delayed effects following acute exposure

There is limited evidence to suggest that long-term pulmonary residual effects may occur following chemical pneumonitis (as a result of aspiration-induced pneumonitis) (20, 27): these chronic effects are of unknown clinical relevance (28).

Animal data and in-vitro data

General toxicity

The oral toxicity of diesel is relatively low, with two studies reporting LD₅₀ values of 7.5g kg^-1 (29) and 16ml kg^-1 in the rat (30). Diesel was reported as being non-irritating to the eyes but severely irritating to skin of rabbits (29). No deaths were reported following acute dermal exposure to 5g kg^-1 in rats (9).

In a study using rats, a Ct of 1440mg min m^-3 was not lethal if given as a 4-hour exposure, but the same Ct was lethal for a 6-hour exposure (4).

Delayed effects following acute exposure

The available literature pertaining to the long-term effects of diesel following acute exposure is mainly concerned with jet fuels (11, 31) and thus its relevance is uncertain due to the presence of chemical additives and different hydrocarbon profile. In general, single (acute) oral, dermal, and ocular exposures do not appear to result in persistent effects.

Health effects following chronic or repeated exposure

Human data

General toxicity

Under normal industrial or domestic use, dermal contamination is the most likely exposure scenario. Chronic or repeat exposure to diesel may result in dermatitis although there is some evidence to suggest that hyperkeratosis may be a common feature of regular contact with diesel (8).

Inhalation

There are currently no unequivocal studies to relate chronic or repeated diesel exposures to long-term pulmonary dysfunction (other than that associated with aspiration of contaminated water or vomit). There is limited evidence to suggest that chronic exposure to long-chain hydrocarbon mixtures may be associated with a tightness of chest and breathing difficulties, although a review of the duration and extent of exposure in such circumstances was not reported (31). In one case, a lorry driver was exposed to (an unknown concentration of) diesel vapour over a ten-day period. Signs and symptoms included abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, acute renal failure, anaemia, and thrombocytopenia (32).

Ingestion

Chronic, oral exposure to diesel is unlikely to arise under normal circumstances and there is currently no data available on the chronic effects of diesel ingestion in humans.

Dermal or ocular exposure

There are no reports on the effects of chronic ocular exposure to diesel in humans.

Acne and folliculitis have been reported in one subject who may have received chronic (occupational) exposure to diesel ((33) as reviewed in (8)). An investigation of Azerbaijan oil field workers identified hyperkeratosis as being associated with diesel exposure ((34) as reviewed in (8)).

Genotoxicity

There was evidence of increased chromosomal aberrations in a small cohort of drivers exposed to diesel ((35) as reviewed in (9)). However, the group size was small (6 smokers and 6 non-smokers) and the effects of exposure to other substances (such as diesel exhaust fumes) could not be discounted.

Carcinogenicity

In a multi-site, case-control study, there was evidence for an increased risk of prostate cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (36) but this effect could not be attributed to any particular chemical. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have evaluated diesel fuels as being “not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3)” (9): there is “inadequate evidence” to classify diesel as a human carcinogen and “limited evidence” for the carcinogenicity of diesel to experimental animals.

Reproductive and developmental toxicity

There is currently no information concerning the effects of diesel exposure on human reproduction and development. Exposure to diesel is not an indication for invasive prenatal diagnostic tests or termination of pregnancy (37).

Animal data

General toxicity

A number of studies have reported hyaline droplet nephropathy syndrome in rats; this pathological response is not considered to be relevant to humans (8).

Inhalation

In one study, mice were exposed to diesel vapour at concentrations of 65, 135 and 204mg m^-3, 8 hours a day for 5 days (equating to a daily Ct of 31, 65 and 98g min m^-3, respectively) (18). Three of ten animals died in the highest dose group. There were no general effects noted in the lowest dose group.

Following exposure to diesel vapour (≤ 6mg L^-1; ≤ 6h duration; ≤ 3 week-1; ≤ 9 exposures), the primary signs of toxicity in rabbits were observed in the lung. Such effects included an increase in leukocytes in bronchial lavage (BAL) fluid and (non-dose dependent) changes in lung function parameters ((38) as reviewed by (8)).

No substantial signs of toxicity were observed in rats exposed to diesel aerosol (≤ 1.5mg L^-1; 4h per day; 2 week-1; 13 weeks): other signs deemed to be indicative of slight toxicity (including decreased weight and increase in BAL macrophages) were described as “generally reversible” following an eight-week recovery period ((39) as reviewed by (8)).

Ingestion

There were no available reports on the chronic oral toxicity of diesel in animals.

Dermal / ocular exposure

Exposure of rabbits to diesel (4- or 8-ml kg^-1; 24h day^-1; 5 days week-1) for 14 days resulted in dose-dependent dermal irritation and anorexia, leading to cachexia and death in the highest-dose group (29).

Genotoxicity

Diesel was reported as being negative in the Ames Salmonella assay (40). (This was interpreted as diesel being “weakly mutagenic” by the IARC (9)). In the same study, diesel was determined to be non-mutagenic in the L5178Y (TK +/- and TK -/- strains) mouse lymphoma assay. Dimethyl sulphoxide extracts of diesel (containing aromatic or aliphatic fractions) did not induce mutations in S. typhimurium TA100 (([41] as reviewed by [9])(#ref)). No effect was observed on the frequency of dominant lethal mutations in mice (CD-1) exposed to diesel (≤ 400ppm; 6 h day^-1; 5 days week-1) for a total of 8 weeks ((8, 42) as reviewed by (8)).

In-vivo bone marrow clastogenicity studies showed a clear increase in chromosome aberrations only at very high dose levels (6ml kg^-1 body weight) (41). No details of the type of aberration were provided and no definitive conclusions can be drawn.

The available data indicate that diesel does not have any mutagenic potential.

Carcinogenicity

It is generally considered that most middle-distillate fuels (kerosene, petrol and diesel) are non-genotoxic carcinogens (43-46).

In the most recent study of tumorigenic potential, rats were administered diesel by oral gavage (in olive oil) 4 times per week for 104 weeks (47). The authors surmised that there was a non-dose dependent increase in the incidence of total malignant tumours (which may be of limited relevance) and an increase in uterus-vaginal malignant tumours (which was described as dose related). No further details are available.

Reproductive and developmental toxicity

No teratogenic (developmental) effects were observed in rats subject to inhalation of diesel vapour between gestational days 6 and 15 (6h day^-1; 100 & 400ppm) ((48) as reviewed in (9)).

References 

[1] Owen, K. and Coley, T. (1995) Automotive fuels reference book. Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., Warrendale, PA

[2] BS EN 590:2004. Automotive fuels - Diesel - requirements and test methods. (2004).

[3] International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) (1982). Environmental Health Criteria 20. Selected petroleum products. World Health Organisation. Geneva.

[4] Risher, J. F. and Rhodes, S. W. (1995). Toxicological profiles for fuel oils. US Department of Health and Human Sciences.

[5] Li, F. K., Yip, P. S., Chan, K. W., Chan, T. M. and Lai, K. N. (1999). Acute renal failure after immersion in seawater polluted by diesel oil. Am J Kidney Dis 34, E26.

[6] Barrientos, A., Ortuno, M. T., Morales, J. M., Tello, F. M. and Rodicio, J. L. (1977). Acute renal failure after use of diesel fuel as shampoo. Arch Intern Med 137, 1217.

[7] CONCAWE (1996). Gas oils (diesel fuels / heating oils). Report Number 95/107.

[8] International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) (1996). Environmental Health Criteria 171. Diesel fuel and exhaust. World Health Organisation. Geneva.

[9] International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC) (1989). Occupational exposures in petroleum refining: Crude oil and major petroleum fuels. IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Lyon.

[10] Periago, J. F. and Prado, C. (2005). Evolution of occupational exposure to environmental levels of aromatic hydrocarbons in service stations. Ann Occup Hyg 49, 233-40.

[11] Ritchie, G. D., Still, K. R., Alexander, W. K., Nordholm, A. F., Wilson, C. L., Rossi, J., 3rd and Mattie, D. R. (2001). A review of the neurotoxicity risk of selected hydrocarbon fuels. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev 4, 223-312.

[12] Ausma, S., Edwards, G. C., Fitzgerald-Hubble, C. R., Halfpenny-Mitchell, L., Gillespie, T. J. and Mortimer, W. P. (2002). Volatile hydrocarbon emissions from a diesel fuel-contaminated soil bioremediation facility. J Air Waste Manag Assoc 52, 769-80.

[13] Lee, P. and Fitzsimons, D. (2005). An analysis of inland oil and fuel incidents in England and Wales. Oil Care Campaign Steering Group.

[14] CONCAWE (1985). Health aspects of petroleum fuels. Potential hazards and precautions for individual classes of fuel. Report No. 85/51.

[15] Fiedler, N., Giardino, N., Natelson, B., Ottenweller, J. E., Weisel, C., Lioy, P., Lehrer, P., Ohman-Strickland, P., Kelly-McNeil, K. and Kipen, H. (2004). Responses to controlled diesel vapor exposure among chemically sensitive Gulf War veterans. Psychosom Med 66, 588-98

[16] Patty’s toxicology, Ed. Bingham E, Cohrssen B and Powell CH. (2001). John Wiley and Sons, Inc., Chichester.

[17] Litovitz, T. (1988). Myocardial sensitization following inhalational abuse of hydrocarbons. Occup Med 3, 567-568.

[18] Kainz, R. J. and White, L. E. (1984) Depressant effects associated with the inhalation of uncombusted Diesel vapour. Princeton Scientific Publishers.

[19] Khanna, P., Devgan, S. C., Arora, V. K. and Shah, A. (2004). Hydrocarbon pneumonitis following diesel siphonage. Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci 46, 129-32.

[20] Eade, N. R., Taussig, L. M. and Marks, M. I. (1974). Hydrocarbon pneumonitis. Pediatrics 54, 351-7.

[21] Mabie, M. and Wunderink, R. G. (2003). Use and limitations of clinical and radiologic diagnosis of pneumonia. Semin Respir Infect 18, 72-9.

[22] Boudet, F., Fabre, M., Boe, M., Delon, M., Ruiz, J. and Lareng, L. (1983). [Toxic pneumopathy following voluntary ingestion of 1 1/2 liters of gas-oil]. Toxicol Eur Res 5, 247-9.

[23] Koschier, F. J. (1999). Toxicity of middle distillates from dermal exposure. Drug Chem Toxicol 22, 155-64.

[24] Bruynzeel, D. P. and Verburgh, C. A. (1996). Occupational dermatitis from isothiazolinones in diesel oil. Contact Dermatitis 34, 64-5.

[25] Wahlberg, J. E. (1995). ‘Green diesel’–skin irritant properties of diesel oils compared to common solvents. Contact Dermatitis 33, 359-60.

[26] Crisp, A. J., Bhalla, A. K. and Hoffbrand, B. I. (1979). Acute tubular necrosis after exposure to diesel oil. Br Med J 2, 177.

[27] Litovitz, T. and Greene, A. E. (1988). Health implications of petroleum distillate ingestion. Occup Med 3, 555-68.

[28] Seymour, F. K. and Henry, J. A. (2001). Assessment and management of acute poisoning by petroleum products. Human and Experimental Toxicology 20, 551-562.

[29] Beck, L. S., Hepler, D. I. and Hansen, K. L. (1984) The acute toxicity of selected hydrocarbons. Princeton Scientific Publishers, Inc.

[30] Starek, A., L., F., Cembala, D. and Lepiarz, Q. (1975). Porownawcze badania nad toksycznoscia niektorych dielektrykow pochodnych ropy naftowej stosowanych w obrobce elektroerozyjnej. 1. Ocena ogolnej ostrej i podostrej toksycznosci. Medycyna Pracy 26, 219-230.

[31] Ritchie, G., Still, K., Rossi, J., 3rd, Bekkedal, M., Bobb, A. and Arfsten, D. (2003). Biological and health effects of exposure to kerosene-based jet fuels and performance additives. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev 6, 357-451.

[32] Reidenberg, M. M., Powers, D. V., Sevy, R. W. and Bello, C. T. (1964). Acute Renal Failure Due To Nephrotoxins. Am J Med Sci 247, 25-9. [33] Das, M. and Misra, M. P. (1988). Acne and folliculitis due to diesel oil. Contact Dermatitis 18, 120-1.

[34] Gusein-Zade, K. M. (1974). [Results of a dermatologic survey of engine drivers working in the Apsheron oil fields]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 0, 47-9.

[35] Fredga, K., Davring, L., Sunner, M., Bengtsson, B. O., Elinder, C. G., Sigtryggsson, P. and Berlin, M. (1982). Chromosome changes in workers (smokers and nonsmokers) exposed to automobile fuels and exhaust gases. Scand J Work Environ Health 8, 209- 21.

[36] Siemiatycki, J., Dewar, R., Nadon, L., Gerin, M., Richardson, L. and Wacholder, S. (1987). Associations between several sites of cancer and twelve petroleum-derived liquids. Results from a case-referent study in Montreal. Scand J Work Environ Health 13, 493-504.

[37] National Poisons Information Service (2005). TOXBASE. Diesel exposure in pregnancy.

[38] Dalbey, W., Henry, M., Holmberg, R., Moneyhun, J., Schmoyer, R. and Lock, S. (1987). Role of exposure parameters in toxicity of aerosolized diesel fuel in the rat. J Appl Toxicol 7, 265-75.

[39] Lock, S., Dalbey, W., Schmoyer, R. and Griesemer, R. (1984). Inhalation toxicity of Diesel-fuel obscurant in Sprague-Dawley rats. Chemical characterisation and toxicological evaluation of airborne mixtures. Final report, Phase 3, subchronic exposures. Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

[40] Conaway, C. C., Schreiner, C. A. and Cragg, S. T. (1984) Mutagenicity evaluation of petroleum hydrocarbons. Princeton Scientific Publishers New Jersey,

[41] Henderson, T. R., Li, A. P., Royer, R. E. and Clark, C. R. (1981). Increased cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of diesel fuel after reaction with NO2. Environ Mutagen 3, 211-220.

[42] API (1981). Mutagenicity evaluation of diesel fuel in the mouse dominant lethal assay, final report. Amercian Petroleum Institute. Washington.

[43] McKee, R. H. and Plutnick, R. T. (1989). Carcinogenic potential of gasoline and diesel engine oils. Fundam Appl Toxicol 13, 545-53.

[44] McKee, R. H., Plutnick, R. T. and Przygoda, R. T. (1989). The carcinogenic initiating and promoting properties of a lightly refined paraffinic oil. Fundam Appl Toxicol 12, 748-56.

[45] Ingram, A. J., King, D. J., Grasso, P. and Sharratt, M. (1993). The early changes in mouse skin following topical application of a range of middle distillate oil products. J Appl Toxicol 13, 247-57.

[46] Nessel, C. S. (1999). A comprehensive evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of middle distillate fuels. Drug Chem Toxicol 22, 165-80

[47] Maltoni, C., Ciliberti, A., Pinto, C., Soffritti, M., Belpoggi, F. and Menarini, L. (1997). Results of long-term experimental carcinogenicity studies of the effects of gasoline, correlated fuels, and major gasoline aromatics on rats. Ann N Y Acad Sci 837, 15-52.

[48] Schreiner, C. (1984) Petroleum and petroleum products: a brief review of studies to evaluate reproductive effects. Princeton Scientific Publishers, Princeton

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Annex I: Categories of Diesel Additives

Category	Concentration Range	Example(s)	Notes
Antioxidants	9-25ppm	Hindered phenols (e.g. 2,4-dimethyl-6-tertbutylphenol)	Prevent “gum-forming” reactions
Stabilisers	25-200ppm	Polymethacrylate, polyisobutane	Prevent sediment formation if diesel product is prepared from cracked components
Metal deactivators	~10ppm	N, N’-disalicylidene-1,2-propanediamine	Chelate metal ions
Cetane improvers	200-800ppm	2-ethyl hexyl nitrate	Decrease time between injection of ignition in combustion chamber
Combustion improvers	0.2% v/v	Historically include barium, manganese, and copper	Catalytic effect on combustion. No longer in common use
Flow improvers	500ppm	Ethylene acetate / vinyl acetate polymers
Detergents	100-200ppm	Amines, amides, imidazolines	Prevent “gummy deposits”
Corrosion inhibitors	5ppm	Surfactants based on esters or amine salts of alkenyl succinic acids, alkyl orthophosphoric acids and aryl sulphonic acids	Primarily to protect pipelines during transport
Antistatic additives (Static Displacement Additives)	1-5ppm	Toluene, alkyl benzene sulphonate, mono and di-alkyl salicylic and dodecyl sulphosuccinic acid (Cr and Ca salts)	Added to prevent build-up of charge during bulk transfer under fast pumping rates
Dehazers and demulsifiers	5-20ppm	Quaternary ammonium salts	Added to storage tanks on an ad hoc basis to remove water contamination
Lubricity additives	0.03 w/w%	Phosphate ester amides	Improve lubricity caused by hydrotreatment (to remove sulphur)
Anti-icers	Up to 30ppm	Alcohols / glycols	Added to deliver tanks
Biocides	200ppm	Thiazine derivatives	Prevent bacterial spoilage on storage in fuel tanks
Antifoamants	10-20ppm	Silicone additives	Prevent foaming, allowing more complete filling of engine
Odour masks and odorants	10-20ppm		Neutralise or mask smell
Drag reducers	50ppm	High molecular weight, oil-soluble polymers	Reduce drag through pipelines to increase throughput

Table A1: summary of common additives used to improve burn, storage, or transport characteristics of diesel (1)

Annex II: UK Classification of Fuel Oils

Category	Crude Fraction	Primary Application
A1	Middle distillate	Automotive diesel fuel
A2	Middle distillate	Agricultural engine fuel
C1	Paraffin	Flueless heating appliances
C2	Kerosene	Vaporising or atomising domestic heating appliances
D	Middle distillate	Atomising burners for domestic, commercial, or industrial applications
E-H	Residual distillate	Atomising burners for boilers or certain industrial engines which may require pre-treatment or additives

Table A2: Classification of various grades of fuel oil according to crude distillate fraction (“crude fraction”) and application. Source: Annex A to BS 2869:1998

Annex III: UK Physiochemical Standards for Diesel

Property	Minimum	Maximum
Cetane No.	51	-
Density at 15 °C (kg m-3)	820	845
Viscosity at 40 °C (mm2 s-1)	2.0	4.5
Flash point (°C)	> 55	-
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (% w/w)	-	11
Sulphur content (mg kg-1)	-	50
Water content (mg kg-1)	-	200
Ash content (% w/w)	-	0.01
Fatty acid methyl ester content (% v/v)	-	5

Table A3: Summary of standard physiochemical properties of diesel (BS EN 560:2004)