Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: Public Health Issues

Reasons for pHASING OUT two-stroke GAS engines

Two-stroke engines have been phased out of nearly all industries with the exception of lawn equipment, and here is precisely where Quiet Clean D.C. (QCDC) would like to begin tackling this environmental crisis.

By replacing these gas-guzzling leaf blowers with cleaner and quieter electric and battery-powered equivalents, Washington D.C. can set the example for global environmental accountability. You still might be thinking, “you have too much time on your hands, leaf blowers aren’t hurting a thing,” however, by making this one minor adjustment we could help to reduce many public health problems, including:

• Asthma

• Cardiovascular disease

• Central nervous system disorders

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• Decreased biodiversity

• Hearing loss

• Hypertension due to noise

• Lung cancer

• Premature births

• Respiratory disease

• Risk of heart attack

These health risks do not only apply to the public, but also for the employees of lawn care companies. Electric leaf blowers are now on the market and are available for purchase by lawn care companies. The use of gas-powered leaf blowers comes with high costs for our health, environment, and enjoyment of the benefits of living in Washington D.C. and other communities around the United States. Help QCDC promote a more livable community for everyone.