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.

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.

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.

The editorial by Dr. Daniel Fink advocates for a newly adopted definition of noise as "unwanted and/or harmful sound." This redefinition was endorsed by the International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise and highlights the need to acknowledge both unwanted auditory disturbances and their detrimental health effects.

The report "Lawn Care Goes Electric" suggests replacing gasoline-powered lawn equipment with cleaner, quieter electric alternatives to reduce pollution and noise. Electric models offer long-term cost savings and comparable performance due to advancements in battery technology. To foster this shift, the report recommends incentives, converting government operations to electric equipment, and phasing out polluting gas-powered tools.

This study compares noise from gas-powered leaf blowers (GLBs) and battery-powered leaf blowers (BLBs), revealing significant differences in sound levels and impact on community health. GLBs are found to be much louder, particularly in low-frequency noise, which can transmit over long distances and through home windows, causing greater disruption than BLBs. The study suggests that transitioning to BLBs can mitigate health risks posed by GLBs' noise and emissions, advocating for policy changes to prioritize public and worker health.

The study examines noise pollution from over 11 million gas-powered leaf blowers in the U.S., which often exceed WHO noise standards up to 800 feet. The noise, surpassing 100 decibels due to low-frequency sound, affects health and communities. These findings support noise restrictions and suggest that standard decibel measurements are more accurate than A-weighted ones.

Noise measurements of 496 lawn mowers were made at 25 feet and at the operator’s ear between 2004 and 2017. In total, more than 2,000 different measurements were made. Several trends in lawn mower noise were observed. 1) Newer electric lawn mowers are significantly quieter and perform better than the older ones. 2) Newer gas powered walk mowers may be a decibel quieter. 3) Ride-on mower noise levels are pretty much unchanged and dependent on the size of the engine. 4) Compared to EPA noise measurements of mowers from 1973, very little progress has been made quieting mowers.

GPT-4o

The study by Jo Anne G. Balanay and colleagues examined noise exposure among groundskeepers at three North Carolina universities. It found that many workers are exposed to noise levels above the safe limit of 85 dBA, especially when using equipment like riding mowers and leaf blowers. The study highlights the need for hearing conservation programs and noise reduction strategies, such as managing equipment use and adopting engineering controls.

The study by Jamie L. Banks and Robert McConnell examines emissions from gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment in the U.S., highlighting their significant contribution to air pollution, particularly VOCs and fine particulates from two-stroke engines. These emissions pose health risks, prompting calls for better reporting and policies to reduce impact and promote cleaner alternatives.

The Waste Management & Research Center evaluated VOC emissions from leaf blowers in Chicago under three policy scenarios: no ordinances, an aggressive ban during summer months, and a moderate policy promoting low-emission models. The aggressive scenario could cut emissions by over 64%, while the moderate scenario offers smaller, decreasing reductions. Localities like Wilmette and Oak Park have already enacted similar restrictions to address emissions and noise pollution.

The study examines emissions from small, handheld two-stroke engines used in lawn equipment, highlighting their release of toxic pollutants like carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. Engine type significantly affects emissions, while fuel blend has little impact. These engines contribute 5-10% of total US emissions, suggesting a need for greater attention in air quality and exposure studies.

This study assessed emissions from 23 handheld 2-stroke engines from 1981-2003, revealing significant CO and HC reductions in phase-2 engines due to better design and catalytic controls. Using 10% ethanol fuel further cut HC and CO emissions. However, more oil in the fuel increased PM2.5 emissions. These findings confirm air quality improvements from updated emission standards.

The study by Richard Baldauf and colleagues examined exposure to air contaminants for operators of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. Operators faced elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO), PM2.5, and aldehydes, potentially exceeding health standards. The study highlights the risks associated with these tools and the influence of operator activity and environmental conditions on exposure levels, suggesting the need for increased awareness and regulation.

This study by the Kuopio Regional Institute of Occupational Health examined noise emissions from leaf blowers and other gardening equipment. Testing of nine leaf blowers revealed noise exposure levels between 93-102 dB(A), with the highest levels from 2-stroke engines. These engines emitted low-frequency tonal noise components, which penetrate walls and are perceived as particularly irritating. The study highlights the significant noise emissions from leaf blowers, contributing to public complaints and recognizing the need for improved noise control in such equipment.