News and Resources

Landcare, Climate change, Air pollution Marina Jokic Landcare, Climate change, Air pollution Marina Jokic

The problem with gas-powered leaf blowers

The article by Allyson Chiu highlights the environmental and health issues associated with gas-powered leaf blowers, including noise pollution, toxic emissions, and habitat disruption. Gas leaf blowers emit significant amounts of pollutants and carbon emissions, contributing to climate change, while their noise can affect human health and wildlife. Many U.S. cities are banning or limiting their use in favor of quieter and cleaner electric alternatives.

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Public health, Aircraft noise Marina Jokic Public health, Aircraft noise Marina Jokic

QC Newsletter: Small local action, big impact

The Quiet Communities newsletter introduces a hyperlocal campaign to raise awareness about noise pollution and its health impacts, particularly from gas leaf blowers. It highlights upcoming events and initiatives focused on addressing noise issues and encourages community participation by posting flyers. The organization aims to promote quiet as a valuable resource and improve public health.

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Hazardous exposures and engineering controls in the landscaping services industry

This study on landscapers' occupational exposures found significant overexposure to noise and respirable crystalline silica (RCS), especially during hardscaping tasks, despite existing engineering controls. Eighty workers at varied sites were monitored, showing noise levels frequently exceeding safety limits, while CO levels remained safe. Fuel-powered tools produced more noise and CO compared to battery-powered versions. Engineering controls could reduce RCS exposure, but additional protection might be necessary.

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Hazardous exposures and engineering controls in the landscaping services industry

The research by Barbara M. Alexander and colleagues examines landscapers' exposure to noise, carbon monoxide, respirable dust, and respirable crystalline silica across 11 worksites. Most workers faced noise levels above safe limits, especially with fuel-powered tools versus battery-powered ones. Although CO overexposure was not observed, RCS overexposure was common in hardscaping tasks. The study emphasizes the need for engineering controls and protective measures to reduce these occupational risks.

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A sleepless Louisiana community battles noise pollution: ‘It’s like torture’

The article highlights the struggles of a community on Hano Road, Louisiana, which faces persistent noise pollution due to frequent gravel and garbage truck traffic, mainly active between 1 a.m. and 5 p.m. This issue reflects a broader national problem, as the federal Office of Noise Abatement and Control has been defunct for four decades, leaving noise regulation largely to local governments.

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Landcare Marina Jokic Landcare Marina Jokic

QC Close-Up: City of Glendale, CA

In this exclusive QC Close Up with Dan Mabe, President, AGZA and Dan Brotman, Councilmember and Former Mayor of the City of Glendale, California. This Close Up presentation is focused on the topic of transitioning to quieter, healthier electric landscape equipment and some of the huge strides we're making to quiet Landscaping practices across the country.

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Public health, Landcare Marina Jokic Public health, Landcare Marina Jokic

QC Newsletter: It’s time to kick the noise habit

The Quiet Communities newsletter emphasizes the urgent need to tackle noise pollution, comparing it to "the new secondhand smoke." It highlights a new campaign for raising awareness and celebrates receiving a Phase 2 award for promoting sustainable landscaping practices. The newsletter includes updates on community initiatives, expert insights into noise health impacts, and encourages member participation, offering a complimentary book on noise awareness for members.

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Landcare Marina Jokic Landcare Marina Jokic

This is the future of lawn mowers

The article references Quiet Communities and its president, Jamie Banks, who emphasizes the reduced noise pollution and environmental benefits of electric lawn mowers compared to gas-powered models. Banks points out that electric mowers require less maintenance, ultimately resulting in cost savings and creating a friendlier environment for ecosystems and pollinators.

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Landcare, Leaf blowers Marina Jokic Landcare, Leaf blowers Marina Jokic

Gas Leaf Blowers are Health Hazards

Gas leaf blowers (GLBs) generate harmful air and noise pollution, posing health risks to children and long-term users. Emissions from GLBs are equivalent to extensive car travel and are linked to respiratory issues, cancer, and other health problems. Their loud noise exceeds safe levels, leading to hearing loss and impaired communication, especially in young children. The article recommends using electric tools and manual methods as alternatives and urges municipalities to ban or restrict GLBs.

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Cryptocurrency mining Marina Jokic Cryptocurrency mining Marina Jokic

‘We’re Living in a Nightmare:’ Inside the Health Crisis of a Texas Bitcoin Town

The TIME article addresses health issues faced by Granbury, Texas, residents due to noise pollution from a Bitcoin mining facility. The excessive noise has caused medical problems like migraines and vertigo. Despite community protests and legal challenges, the mining operation continues, highlighting wider concerns about the industry's environmental and health impacts as it expands across the U.S.

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Traffic noise, Transportation noise Marina Jokic Traffic noise, Transportation noise Marina Jokic

How noise pollution from planes, trains and automobiles can harm human health

The NPR Short Wave episode discusses the issue of noise pollution, emphasizing its harmful health impacts such as increased blood pressure, stress hormones, and risks of cardiovascular diseases. Joanne Silberner highlights everyday sources like highways and gas-powered tools and their disproportionate effects on poorer communities.

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Why scientists who study noise pollution are calling for more regulation

The NPR article written by Joanne Silberner, emphasizes the need for stricter noise pollution regulation due to its documented health effects, such as increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Despite the Noise Control Act of 1972, noise regulation has been underfunded and understudied, evident with the closure of the EPA's Office of Noise Abatement and Control in 1981. Quiet Communities recently sued the EPA to encourage enforcement of noise regulations.

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Animals and noise Marina Jokic Animals and noise Marina Jokic

Making Your Yard A Quiet Oasis For Birds With Arline Bronzaft

Dr. Arline Bronzaft, an environmental psychologist from Quiet Communities who specializes in the effects of sound on animals like birds and people, joins the podcast Bird Hugger. She discusses the ways to make your yard a quiet oasis for birds and other critters. Also featured is Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds.

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QC Newsletter: Pollinators, welcome in! Quiet Communities promotes biodiversity with WildOnes partnership

The Quiet Communities newsletter introduces a partnership with Wild Ones to promote biodiversity and eco-friendly landscaping while reducing noise pollution. It highlights upcoming events, including a virtual discussion with founder Jamie Banks and the U.S. premiere of "The Quietest Year."

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What is the safe noise exposure level to prevent noise-induced hearing loss?

The article by QC’s Daniel Fink in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology discusses the safe noise exposure levels needed to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It emphasizes that prolonged or excessive noise exposure can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.

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