Dear [Councilperson / Senator / Representative],

I write to urge you to promote  and support legislation to combat the noise and air pollution generated by gas-powered leaf blowers in Rhode Island. Over 200 municipalities nationwide already restrict or ban their use.

Often dismissed merely as an “annoyance,” gas-powered leaf blowers in fact constitute a public health threat, especially to the workers employed to use them. Everyone knows leaf blowers are loud, but their toxic emissions are less widely recognized as dangerous. They generate high levels of smog-forming and carcinogenic particulate pollution, as well as stir up pollen, mold, fecal matter, heavy metals, and dust which can linger in the air for days.

These pollutants put leaf blower users and nearby residents at risk for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.  Rhode Island received a “D” (and Providence an “F”) for air quality from the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report, and has the 4th highest lifetime prevalence of asthma in the U.S. Given gas leaf blowers’ disproportionately large toxic emissions, they should not be allowed to continue adding to our already abysmally poor air quality.

Noise from gas leaf blowers also has significant negative health effects. Typically ranging from 80 to 100 decibels,  it is well above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 55 dB for outdoor sound levels, and  can cause hearing damage to the operators within 2 hours. Besides the well-known connection to hearing loss, noise pollution also contributes to cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, sleep disorders, and learning impairment. It also makes it difficult for those nearby to enjoy time at home or outdoors.

The continued use of gas-powered leaf blowers counteracts efforts to create opportunities for healthy outdoor activity and a fossil-free future. Electric leaf blowers offer a readily available alternative where brooms and rakes will not suffice. There is no reason to be sweeping lawns and pavement with such dirty and deafening technology when quieter, cleaner alternatives are readily available.

It is time for Rhode Island to join the many communities that have banned gas leaf blowers for the health and well being of our outdoor workforce and all Rhode Island residents.

Signed,

[Your name and address]