Did You Know?
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Are Major Sources of Air and Noise Pollution
...AND can harm your lawn!
Gas-powered leaf blowers (GLBs) are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious threats to public health, environmental quality, and even the health of your lawn. More than 150 U.S. cities have enacted regulations limiting or banning gas leaf blowers, and the movement continues to grow as communities recognize the risks these machines pose to workers, residents, and the environment.
Air Pollution
The Facts About Gas Leaf Blowers
More Toxic Than Cars
A GLB emits far more toxic air pollutants than a car or truck. GLBs generate high levels of ozone-forming chemicals, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and fine particulate matter, which are contributors to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Asthma and respiratory illness
- Lung cancer
- Premature births
- Other serious health conditions
Even short-term exposure can be harmful. Workers, children, seniors, and people with chronic illness are at greatest risk.
The shocking numbers:
- One hour of operation = driving a car 1,100 miles (California Air Resources Board)
- 23 times the carbon monoxide of a Ford F-150 pickup truck
- Nearly 300 times the non-methane hydrocarbons of a pickup truck
- Half-hour of use = emissions from driving Texas to Alaska (Edmunds study)
These pollutants linger in the air close to the ground for up to a week after use.
Noise Pollution
10-100x Louder Than Safe Limits
The noise from GLBs exceeds the occupational limit (85 dB) by 10-100x and will cause hearing loss for those nearby. Commercial gas-powered models generate sound reaching 100-110 decibels—equivalent to standing next to a jet taking off.
The sound frequently travels long distances and through structures, and is still audible over 800 feet away.
This noise affects the community and can cause:
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Cognitive impairment
- Disruption to school children in their classrooms
- Disruption to people working from home
Worker Health
Landscape Workers Face Greatest Risks
Landscape workers who operate gas leaf blowers for hours each day face the most serious health consequences from:
- Clouds of toxic pollutants and fine particulates
- Spray of unburned gasoline and oil
- Ear-splitting noise exposure
- Potentially double their risk of cancer due to exposure to benzene, butadiene, and formaldehyde (California Air Resources Board, 2018)
Landscape workers deserve healthier work conditions. The transition to electric equipment protects their health while maintaining their ability to provide professional services.
Lawn Health
Leaf Blowing Is Bad for Your Lawn!
Blowing erodes the topsoil, exposes plant roots and compacts the ground, making lawns less resilient, less vibrant, and less healthy.
Mulching grass clippings and leaves is much better! Leaving leaves or mulching them with a mower:
- Returns beneficial nutrients to the soil
- Creates healthier, more resilient lawns
- Reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers
- Provides crucial habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects
- Protects soil structure and prevents erosion
This Year, Consider a Change—For Your Health, Your Community, and Your Lawn
Replace GLBs
Use electric or battery blowers...or a rake!
Be Kind to Your Grass
Mulch clippings and leaves
Ask Your Landscaper
Request them to minimize or eliminate GLB use
Better Alternatives Exist
Battery-electric leaf blowers have dramatically improved and are now viable alternatives to gas models. According to Consumer Reports’ 2024-2025 testing:
Legislative Progress
National and State Action
- California: Banned the sale of all new gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 1, 2024
- Washington, D.C.: Complete ban on sale and use since 2018
- Maryland: Montgomery County banned sales in July 2024; use will be prohibited starting July 2025
- More than 150 U.S. cities have enacted restrictions or bans
New Jersey Status
New Jersey is considering statewide legislation (Senate Bill 217) that would:
- Ban the sale of two-stroke engine leaf blowers two years after enactment
- Ban the use of two-stroke models four years after enactment
- Restrict four-stroke models to specific peak seasons in residential areas
- Provide tax credits covering up to 50% of electric leaf blower purchases
- Allow municipalities to enact stricter local ordinances
New Jersey communities that have already enacted bans or restrictions:
- Maplewood (year-round ban, effective January 2023)
- Montclair (year-round ban, effective fall 2023)
- Princeton (seasonal restrictions)
- South Orange (seasonal restrictions)South Orange (seasonal restrictions)
- Glen Ridge (considering ban)
- Morristown (considering ban)
New Jersey Status
Environment New Jersey
Statewide environmental advocacy organization working on clean air and climate issues
Consumer Reports Leaf Blower Ratings
Independent testing and ratings of electric and gas leaf blowers
California Air Resources Board
Official emissions data and regulations on small off-road engines
Quiet Communities
Nonprofit helping communities address noise from landscaping equipment
Mount Sinai Environmental Pediatrics
Evidence-based guidance on children's environmental health concerns (November 2025)
Yale Climate Connections
Science-based analysis of health and environmental impacts
Contact your state legislators to support cleaner, quieter alternatives that protect public health, worker safety, and the environment.