Leaf blower noise issue can’t be ignored in Paradise Valley

OPINION — I’m a 30-year resident of Paradise Valley and a physician. I wrote recently about concerns regarding gas-powered leaf blowers. At least three others have echoed those concerns. A recent article appeared regarding noise disruption from pickleball. 

I see in literature distributed by multiple council candidates that quiet and safety are in their top priorities.

I don’t want to detract from the concerns of the pickle ball neighbors. These concerns aren’t unique to our town and are being grappled with across the country. The nuisance in terms of decibels is not dissimilar, with leaf blowers only winning that ignoble contest by small numbers, but the constant ping-ping-ping of pickleball is apparently nerve-wracking. The difference I’d like to emphasize here, is that gas leaf blowers involve additional health risks which we ignore at our peril. The sound of leaf blowers is ubiquitous in our town, impacting all residents. Additionally, there are alternatives to gas blowers, including rakes, brooms and electric leaf blowers. 

Here are a few of the documented health hazards associated with gas-powered leaf blowers. 

1. Noise exposures frequently exceeding occupational safety thresholds.
2. Exposures to airborne pollutants including  hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds.
3. Cardiovascular effects from particulate matter.
4. Respiratory Effects include increased asthma and COPD exacerbations 
5. Neurological effects from carbon monoxide exposure are particularly concerning. 

I recognize there are many issues to be deliberated on in our town, but few are as soluble as this one. Requiring that leaf blowers be electric or that alternatives such as rakes and brooms be used appears straightforward and adds no cost to our community. When promising to protect our community’s health, safety and quietude, this issue cannot be responsibly ignored. 

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.