I live in the Forest Highlands neighborhood of Lake Oswego and sit on the neighborhood association board, as well as the city’s sustainability advisory board and sustainability network.
I’ve been so discouraged by the constant noise and fumes from gas-powered landscape equipment. These gas-powered tools, especially blowers, are harmful to the people operating them. They produce exhaust fumes with high levels of known carcinogens like benzene, butadiene, formaldehyde, along with fine particulates associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological harm. They send dust into the air that can contain pollen, mold, animal feces, heavy metals, and chemicals from herbicides and pesticides. The high-decibel, low-frequency noise they generate causes hearing loss. The noise travels farther and penetrates walls more easily than higher-pitched sounds.