1 Introduction Diesel exhaust (DE) is a widespread pollutant impacting the population worldwide (Sydbom et al. 2001). Among its components, particulate matter (PM) penetrates deeply into the lungs, initiating inflammation and carcinogenesis (Aquilina and Harrison 2023; Steiner et al. 2016). Studies have linked DE exposure to pulmonary disorders (Neophytou et al. 2024). However, recent evidence associated PM exposure with increased risk of cancer progression (Chen et al. 2024).