(NAFB) – A new study sponsored by the National Biodiesel Board shows switching to biodiesel will result in several health benefits, including decreased cancer risk, fewer premature deaths, and reduced asthma attacks.

The research got conducted at 13 sites across the U.S. that get regularly exposed to high rates of petroleum diesel pollution. Researchers found that switching to 100 percent biodiesel in the home heating oil and transportation sectors would provide immediate community health benefits that can be measured in reduced medical costs and health care benefits, such as preventing 340 premature deaths every year.

Other benefits include a 45 percent reduction in cancer risk when heavy-duty trucks like semis use B100 and an 86 percent reduced risk when biodiesel is used for home heating oil. Other yearly health benefits include 203,000 fewer asthma attacks, 46,000 fewer sick days, and $3 billion less in health care costs after switching to B100.

“This study quantifies the health benefits and shows that by using renewable fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel, we are bringing positive change to people’s lives, the nation’s health, and the economy,” says NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen.