From: Anne Valta
To: Clerk
Subject: Public comment for city council meeting 9/19/2023 Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023 9:12:51 AM
Item # 23-1138
Banning leaf blowers in the City of Santa Clara
The state of California has banned gas-powered leaf blowers starting next year but the city of Santa Clara still allows their use and they're a perpetual problem.
I believe we don’t have the luxury of waiting until the 11th hour as the effects of climate change can be seen every day. Here are my reasons why leaf blowers should be banned in the city of Santa Clara immediately.
1. Leaf blowers emit harmful carbon monoxide. In fact, using a gas- powered leaf blower for an hour produces emissions similar to driving from Los Angeles to Denver. These emissions contribute to climate change and its associated environmental impacts.
2. Besides toxic emissions, leaf blowers produce high levels of noise pollution. Leaf blowers operate above 80dBs which is much higher than the World Health Organization’s limit of healthy daytime noise level which is 55dB. Constant noise pollution above this limit affects the overall quality of life of the residents and can create health issues such as hypertension and increased stress.
3. Leaf blowers stir up and displace soil and dust particles, leading to soil erosion and potentially harmful inhalation of dust and allergens by humans and animals. This is especially a problem for people with respiratory issues and allergies. Leaf blowers can also spread pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals present on leaves and debris, potentially exposing humans and pets to harmful chemicals.
I encourage our city council members to consider banning all leaf blowers, most importantly the gas-powered ones which are a huge environmental problem. If we absolutely have to use the electric leaf blowers, I encourage the city council to impose stricter limits on days and hours of use for the sake of our environment and the health and quality of life of our residents. Thank you.
Anne Valta
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Anne Valta, Wellness Professional CMT, CPT, CES, Sports Nutrition Coach [email protected]
+1408 438 7980