Leaf Blower Hazards

Air Pollution

• Leaf blowers contribute to the airborne particulate in pollution. Fine particles include mold, animal waste and pesticides. This particulate can cause lung diseases and aggravate existing conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. Gasoline-powered blowers create emissions in addition to particulate. The American Lung Association estimates that the lack of pollution-control devices on two-stroke leaf-blower engines means they cause more pollution than a car.

Auditory Damage

• The World Health Organization recommends a noise level of 55 or fewer decibels for hearing safety. The criteria for sleep is 45 decibels. Leaf blowers measure between 70 to 75 decibels at a distance of 50 feet. This means that innocent bystanders are subject to excessive noise, and if the user is not wearing ear protection, he is exposed to a much higher level than is safe.

Damage to Plants

• Leaf blowers can damage plants. They can remove beneficial mulch from the soil around the plant, causing nutrient loss. Directly blowing leaves causes dehydration, burning and interference with photosynthesis.

Electrical Shock

• Avoid the risk of electric shock by heeding the recommendation from Ohio State University to not use electric leaf blowers in wet areas. Combining an electric device with a wet environment always creates risk.

Force of Air

• The North Dakota State University states that power blowers can generate a wind force up to 200 miles per hour. This creates hazards such as tripping, slipping and falling. Avoid standing on stairs or ground that is uneven or slippery when using a leaf blower.