[The importance of diesel engine exhaust in public health environmental protection/ecological health protection].

Ecological health protection considers itself to be mainly devoted to the principle of prevention, contrary to the still predominant principle of defence against an existing threat. The importance of diesel engine exhaust gases is discussed against this background and in view of the increasing relevance of emissions by traffic vehicles in respect of environmental hygiene, especially in highly congested areas, The relevant exhaust gas components are demonstrated and the present-day legal framework is critically appraised.