A STONY CREEK ASSOCIATION EVENT

A MEETING ON GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS: HARMING OUR HEALTH & DAMAGING OUR ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 7 PM

GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS

Harming our health and damaging the environment

NOISE

Loud noise is more than just annoying, it has a direct impact on human health. A typical Gas-Powered Leaf Blower (GLB) emits around 80-85 decibels (dBA). Noise above 70 dBA over extended periods can damage your hearing. Hearing loss is linked to cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia, cognitive impairment, diabetes, and depression. TOXIC EMISSIONS Typical GLB 2-stroke engines are inefficient and dirty. The combination of unburned fuel and the products of combustion comprise carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. These emissions attack our cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory systems. PARTICULATE MATTER (dust!) The air blasted by GLBs disturbs carcinogenic chemicals in pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, animal feces, pollen, mold, and funghi. These particulates create significant health risks that linger for hours and are inhaled by landscape workers, children, adults, and pets. continued…

POLLUTION

The nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and other particulates that are emitted and disturbed by GLBs contribute to ozone and nutrient depletion, acid rain, smog, impaired visibility, and the long-term acidifying of groundwater, streams, lakes, and oceans. BIODIVERSITY DAMAGE GLBs destroy the natural leaf litter cover that is essential for the protection and support of plants and wildlife, including insects and pollinators. Many insect species that are critical for the future of our biodiverse eco system are now endangered. GLBs also desiccate and harden the topsoil increasing storm water runoff and risk of flooding.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?

Initiatives such as “Leave the Leaves” and “No Mow May” help inform and mitigate the general problem with leaf blowers. Consider landscaping that reduces lawn and increase the use of native groundcovers that do not require vigorous seasonal clean-up. Battery-powered leaf blowers and other electric landscaping equipment now offer viable alternatives to gas powered versions. The newer commercial models are capable of generating 80% of the power of a standard GLB and are quieter, cleaner, create no toxic emission, and require less maintenance.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT . . .

Over 200 municipalities around the country have introduced some level of control over the use of GLBs. California and Washington DC prohibit their use entirely. Branford’s neighbors Westport, Stamford and Greenwich have restricted how, when, and where GLBs may be used.

If you’d like to support or know more: Clarice Begemann: claricehb8@gmail.com Adrian Corry: acorry@me.com