We Need to Protect Our Children from the noxious effects of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Children are especially vulnerable to the air pollution and excessive noise.
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Industrial-level gas-powered leaf blowers expose children to the fumes of
unburned gasoline and oil, as well as dangerous fine particulate pollution, airborne dust and extreme noise.
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These exposures can affect a child’s
developing lungs, their sleep and their ability to learn while the excessive noise they create can cause permanent hearing damage.
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The
widespread, indiscriminate and nearly year-round use of these archaic and inefficient tools
has made this dangerous exposure a routine part of life in our neighborhoods.
We shouldn’t have to live like this. Pollution and excessive noise should not be a normal part of childhood.
We can, and must, do better for our children.
EXPLORE THIS PAGE:
Why Children are at Greater Risk
Developing Lungs and Bodies
Childhood is a critical period of growth and development.
The lungs, brain, immune system and other organs are still developing,
making children more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
Exposure during these critical stages can disrupt development and contribute
to health effects that can extend into adulthood.
That makes unnecessary exposure to
gas-powered leaf blower exhaust and particulate pollution
especially concerning during childhood.
Noise Disturbs Learning and Sleep
These powerful machines have become widespread in residential neighborhoods, exposing children to excessive, unavoidable noise where they live, play, learn and sleep.
The intense, high-frequency noise produced by GPLBs can interfere with
learning, communication and sleep — all especially important during childhood development and
permanently damage hearing.
The Pollution IS Persistent and Pervasive
A child does not have to be standing next to an operating gas-powered leaf blower to be exposed.
Gas-powered leaf blowers propel fine particles and dust into the air, where they
can remain airborne after the blower has moved on
and travel beyond the immediate area.
Exposure can therefore continue
even after the leaf blower has moved on — particularly concerning for children, who
breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults.
A Pediatrician's Perspective (3 minutes)
Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, a pediatrician and Vice President of New York Chapter 2 of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified about the effects of gas-powered leaf blower pollution and excessive noise on children.
“If it is in our power to keep our children healthy, to protect them from harm, is it not our responsibility to do that?”
Read More About These Risks from Leading Health & Environmental Authorities
Take Action for Our Children
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We welcome residents and community members who want to learn more, ask questions, share their perspectives, or become involved.
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Contact us with questions, learn more about our efforts, or request a meeting with us.
Invite Us to Speak
We are also available to give presentations to community organizations, neighborhood groups and other local audiences about the health, noise and environmental concerns surrounding gas-powered leaf blowers.
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Take It With You
Printable one-page summary of the risks to children and the evidence behind them.
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Learn More About Our Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Initiative
Common-Sense Regulations for Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
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