Abandoning diesel because of health perspectives: are there reasonable alternatives?

The use of diesel is associated with a lower production of CO2, but with a higher production of particulate matter (PM) as compared to gasoline. This in turn may lead to increased mortality from lung cancer, especially in those countries where diesel constitute the largest fuel source in cars. Avoiding cars in large cities, where PM emissions are highest, and depending on public transport is (frequently carried out by buses on diesel) difficult, as capacity lacks. Therefore the authorities should advocate other fuel sources such as gasoline and LPG or CNG, associated with fewer PM emissions. A decision regarding the abandoning of diesel, especially in large cities in favour of other fuel sources, may contribute to some extent to a decrease in PM associated lung caner death. In addition, future use of electric vehicles without emission might even have more impact in this respect.