typically, a properly operating diesel wont hurt you when operated normally and in an outdoor environment... a diesel that isnt completely burning the fuel and/or white smoking WILL make you sick to your stomach, burn your eyes, and will irritate your respiratory system..
With that being said, my new service truck has urea injection and absolutely chokes me to death when I am near the exhaust... The control panel for the air compressor and crane/outriggers is in the right rear compartment... right by the exhaust... when its up in PTO mode, it just has such a horrible smell, nothing like diesel burning... more like scorching hot amonia..