Leaf blowers, especially gas-powered, are a
major point source for high level noise and
ground level pollution, known to cause disease and stress. Increasing dependence on leaf blowers for cleanup and routine maintenance is exposing residents to high level noise and exhaust pollutants -- sometimes on a daily basis for hours at a time.  

Many are powered by two-stroke engines which can emit 30% of their unused gas and oil as exhaust according to the California Environmental Protection Agency. The American Lung Association states that leaf blowers "pollute the air more than cars." Some claim 3 times as much.

The noise is disturbing the life of birds and insects, including pollinators and affecting the health of every person and animal nearby. 

Lets sign this petition and put an end to this madness. 

 For more facts, read on...

• Noise levels in decibels (dB)

–100−115 dB – 65−75 dB at 50 ft

– Higher levels with >1 machine

• Exceeds noise safety standards set by WHO and US EPA, which is set to 85. Anything above 85  is harmful to your hearing and required protection, according to WHO. 

• Noise characteristics

– Pure tone (narrow frequency) component

– Frequent throttling up and down

– Chronic, prolonged duration

– Carries over long distances

– Penetrates walls/windows

• Leaf Blowers and Air Pollution

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) 

– Benzene
– 1,3 butadiene
– Acetaldehyde
– Formaldehyde

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Hydrocarbons
• Particulate matter

Every one of those are Toxic, Carcinogenic or Ozone-forming. 

Small lawn/garden engines: A major contributor to
emissions

• In the United States, 2010:
– Volatile Organic Compounds: 515,000 tons
– Nitric Oxides: 121,000 tons 
– Particulate Matter ≤2.5 µm: 25,000 tons
– Particulate Matter ≤10 µm: 26,000 tons

*Sources: Michaels H, US EPA. NONROAD Overview presented at the 2012 International Emission Inventory Conference, 2012. US EPA 2005
data in Volckens J, Olson DA, Hays MD. Atmospheric Environment 2008;42:1239-48.

Noise and Adverse Health Effects
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Cardiovascular effects*
• Immune system
suppression
• Stress hormone release
• Sleep disturbance
• Impaired childhood
development
• Impaired cognition
• Mental health problems
• Reduced work and school
productivity
• Reduced quality of life

*Hypertension, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease.
Key Sources: World Health Organization. Burden of Disease from Environmental Noise: Quantification of Healthy Life Years Lost in Europe. 2011; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Audiology Series; Home, Community, and Recreational Noise;
American Psychological Association; Noise Pollution Clearinghouse; Hammer M et al. Environ Health Perspect 2014;122:115-119.

Examples: Adverse effects of air traffic noise
• Long term aircraft noise
– Cardiovascular disease (hypertension, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease)
– Increased cardiovascular hospital admissions with increase in each incremental 10 dB exposure
• Episodic aircraft noise produced harmful effects for many days,
even in sleeping subjects (HYENA study)*
– blood pressure spikes
– increased pulse rates
– vasoconstriction
– stress hormone release

*Hypertension and Exposure to Noise Near Airports
Sources: Babisch W, Noise Health. 2006;8:1-29; Correia et al. BMJ 2013;347:f5561

The Hazards of Leaf Blower Pollutants
are Well Documented
• American Lung Association
• American Heart Association/American Stroke
Association
• Children’s Environmental Health Center*
• Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family
Statistics
• NIEHS, National Institutes of Health
• US Environmental Protection Agency
• World Health Organization

Leaf blower emissions: an important source
of ozone and particle pollution

1. Toxic Exhaust and Ozone.
Ozone formed at ground level by gas exhaust
in the presence of sunlight.Even short term exposure to ozone has adverse health effects

2. Particulate Matter Pollution. 

Small Particles (PM2.5 and PM10) can lodge deep in the lungs and if small enough, enter the bloodstream. Even short term exposure to Particulate Matter Even short term exposure to fine particulates has adverse health effects

Examples of Air Pollution Statements Specific to Leaf Blower/Lawn Equipment

• American Lung Association: Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than
gasoline-powered. Two-stroke engines like lawnmowers and leaf or snow blowers often have no pollution control devices…
• Children’s Environmental Health Center, Mount Sinai Hospital: Leaf blowers create large
volumes of airborne particulates…. Inhalation of these small airborne particles can provoke
asthma and other respiratory diseases in children and can increase the severity of chronic lung
disease in our elderly…In general, children are more vulnerable to such exposures…
• US EPA: Lawn equipment emits pollutants such as hazardous air pollutants, particle pollution,
and volatile organic compounds [that] can contribute to health problems that may affect
homeowners, their families, and the community… The chemicals in VOC can form ground-level
ozone (smog) which can cause breathing difficulties, especially with those who are young,
elderly, or have existing respiratory problems such as asthma.