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Gas-powered leaf blowers contribute to Valley air, noise pollution

Gas-powered leaf blowers contribute to Valley air, noise pollution

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Brent Ruffner’s recent article on our air quality was sobering.

One contributor that was overlooked is the gas-powered leaf blower. This device, used by landscaping crews, may blow leaf debris off of sidewalks, but it also picks up and blows considerable amounts of dust.

Its two-cycle engine, which burns a gas-oil mixture, contributes to ozone. A consumer-grade leaf blower emits more pollutants than a 6,200-pound 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, according to tests conducted by Edmunds’ InsideLine.com (now Edmunds.com), the premier online resource for automotive enthusiasts.

I would be remiss if I didn’t add that gas-powered leaf blowers raise a considerable amount of noise pollution. A number of states and local governments across the country have passed laws restricting or banning blowers and other gas-powered lawncare equipment because of emissions and noise.

Even Canada is looking at bans, according to an October 2024 CBC Radio article.

If this concerns you, we could start by asking the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to research the issue.

Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

air quality, leaf blowers, gas-powered equipment

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