There is a wealth of information available about the dangers of gas-powered leaf blowers and alternative solutions. Many cities in the US have already banned their use. Multiple organizations nationally support eliminating them and have joined together to form the Quiet Clean Alliance. Below is a selection of resources we hope helps answer any questions you have.
Our Gas Powered Leaf Blower Noise and Emissions Factsheet is also a useful summary of the data and sources we have collected which documents the dangers of these devices.
NOISE POLLUTION AND HEALTH
ARUP – Testing Shows Gas Leaf Blower’s Low-Frequency Noise Travels Farther
Quiet Communities – Gas Blowers’ Low Frequency Sound Explains Broad Impact
Bloomberg – The Devil’s Hair Dryer
European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Effects of Environmental Noise Exposure
CDC – Too Loud! For Too Long! Loud Noises Damage Hearing
OSHA – Health Effects of Noise Exposure
New Yorker – Is Noise Pollution the Next Big Public-Health Crisis?
Does Noise Affect Learning? A Short Review of Noise Effects on Cognitive Performance in Children
Video – Leaf Blower Sound Comparison: Lithium-ion Battery vs. Gas Engine Powered
EMISSIONS, AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH
EPA – Report on Gas Powered Lawn Equipment Emissions and Dangers
World Health Organization – Ambient (Outdoor) Air Pollution
European Society of Cardiology – Loss of Life Expectancy from Air Pollution
American Heart Association – Particulates and Cardiovascular Disease
Silent Spring Institute Letter – GLBs Linked to Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
American Cancer Association – Benzene and Cancer Risk
Mt Sinai Children’s Health Center – Medical Grounds for Restricting Gas Leaf Blowers
Sierra Club – The State of the Air Is Worsening as Climate Impacts Multiply
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
California Air Resources Board – Small Engine Fact Sheet
Leaf Blowers Contributing to ‘Insect Armageddon’
U.S. Department of Energy – Lawn Care Fuel Consumption
Edmunds – Leaf Blowers Emissions Much Dirtier than Pickup Truck
GENERAL
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: The End is Nigh (Oct 2021, James Fallows)
HEALTHY LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE
Testimony – Battery Electric is Profitable and Powerful Enough for Landscape Contractors
Electrify Now! – The Advantages of All-Electric Yard Care
NY Times – How to Rake Leaves on a Windy Day
Xerces Society – Leave the Leaves
SoilsAlive – How Leaf Blowers Destroy Soil
Four Tips for a Climate Friendly Yard
EcoBeneficial – Good Reasons to Stop Blowing Leaves
Portland Audubon – Backyard Habitat Certification
Oregon Metro – Healthy Lawn and Garden Pledge
Lawnsite – Raking is as Fast as Blowing
Total Landscape Care – Equipment Matters: the battle for battery
Quartz – The Complete Guide to the Battery Revolution
Landscape Management – Battery Boom: breaking down the benefits of battery-powered equipment
Lawn and Landscape – Plugged In
Professional Landcare Network – Operating Leaf Blowers
Green Industry Pros – Leaf Blower Safety
Stihl – Leaf Blower Safety Tips
Atlantic – Leaf Blower Safety Tips
NEWS AND ACTION ACROSS U.S.
GLB Bans & Restrictions (U.S.) – coming soon!
Quiet Clean Alliance – News Center
PORTLAND & OREGON NEWS
Portland Tribune – Why We Should Ban Gas Leaf Blowers
Portland Southeast Examiner – Ban Gas Powered Leaf Blowers
ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO ELIMINATE GAS LEAF BLOWERS