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Airplanes are loud and may damage your hearing. Here’s what helps.

Airplane cabin noise—mainly from engines—can cause discomfort and potentially harm hearing, even at levels considered safe. Prolonged exposure may lead to fatigue and health issues. Experts recommend using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones and choosing seats away from the engines to reduce impact.

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QC Close-Up with Dr. Michael Osborne and Dr. Jamie Banks

A Quiet Communities member event. We were joined by Dr. Michael Osborne, a preventive and nuclear cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Osborne's research focuses on understanding how chronic stress—including high levels of noise exposure—affects the body and contributes to heart disease.

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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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QC Close-Up with Mary Tatigian and Lt. Dave Bruening from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office

This QC Close-Up conversation explored how a Florida community is tackling noise and pollution from illegal modified mufflers. Our guests, Quiet Streets Program Chair and registered nurse Mary Tatigian and Lt. Dave Bruening from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, shared the steps their community is taking to address harmful noise.

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Modified mufflers, Streets Marina Jokic Modified mufflers, Streets Marina Jokic

Street Illegal: A Hot Take on Hot Cars

The blog discusses how loud cars and motorcycles create significant health and quality-of-life problems in St. Paul. The author argues that traditional noise enforcement is ineffective and suggests using automated noise cameras—already used in other cities—to ticket noisy vehicles, urging local leaders and residents to consider this solution.

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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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