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Are Leaf Blowers a Hidden Health Hazard That Should Be Banned?
Keeping lawns and streets free of leaves has turned our culture from one of using rakes to gas-powered leaf blowers and that may be a health issue.
Due to the harmful pollutants they emit, gasoline-powered leaf blowers are known to have several detrimental effects on health. These pollutants pose major health hazards, including irreversible hearing loss and hypertension. They can also worsen cancer risk, increase the risk of hematological and immunological abnormalities, and worsen respiratory issues.
Gas-powered leaf blowers release formaldehyde, benzine, fine particulate matter, and smog-forming pollutants that have been linked to health issues like dementia, headaches, asthma attacks, heart and lung disease, cancer, and dizziness. These harmful health impacts are particularly dangerous to children, the elderly, and those who have chronic conditions. And the emissions from these units are in the tons of yearly pollutants.
In addition to the health dangers brought on by the pollutants, gasoline-powered leaf blowers have been demonstrated to have a severe effect on children’s cognitive development. The force of air from the blowers is extraordinary, with some units having wind speeds up to 270mph.
