O peoples of the world! Forsake all evil, hold fast that which is good. Strive to be shining examples unto all mankind, and true reminders of the virtues of God amidst men.

Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

A gasoline-powered leaf blower emits an enormous amount of toxic air pollutants. One study reported that in just half an hour of using a leaf blower these air pollutants are comparable to those emitted from 440 miles of car travel at 30 mph average speed. These emissions not only contribute to global warming, but are also directly dangerous to your health. You get eight times more carbon monoxide than from car exhaust* and the particulate matter stirred up by blowers can include animal feces, pesticides, chemicals, trace quantities of heavy metals, and allergens such as pollen and mold*.

The noise of leaf blowers can cause permanent hearing loss. As is true with many human activities, what is bad for the environment is also bad for your health.

*Source: New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Source of article: Wilmette Institute Newsletter, September 2020