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LEAF BLOWER POLLUTION
Video Transcript
We're about to show you leaf blowers. You know what a leaf
blower does.
What you don't know is that this blower is powered by a dangerously
dirty two-stroke engine. And, that's not all.
CUE: AUDIO - NOISE
Besides leaves and dust, just what do blowers blow?
Things better left on the ground. These blowers inject into the
air what is called Particulate Matter. Particulate Matter is composed
of pesticides, fertilizers, spores, molds, fecal matter, insects,
dangerous chemicals, allergic fungi and more.
We Californians are facing a time of extraordinary crisis regarding
the air we breathe. The UCLA School of Public Health says that
the children, the elderly and the leaf blower operators themselves
who breathe from these clouds of poisen are significantly risking
their health.
Dr. John Froins, an expert in his field, is a professor of toxology
at that same UCLA School of Public Health. In a letter to the
LA City Council, Dr. Froins talks about the impact of Particular
Matter on the human body, which may cause severe lung and respratory
problems, allergies and other organic dust problems. He also states
that the widespread use of leaf blowers makes their contribution
to the overall air pollution significant.
The Los Angeles Times reports that 6,000 Angelenos die every year
from breathing Particulate Matter. A ground-breaking Congressional
study released this month found toxics in the California air have
high enough levels that the risk of cancer was 426 times higher
than health standards established by the Federal Clean Air Act
of 1990.
CUE: AUDIO - NOISE
The recent and very startling Orange County Grand Jury Report
states there are four major health hazards from blower operations.
Exhaust pollution, Particulate pollution, quantity of pollution,
and noise.
CUE: AUDIO - NOISE
Children, according to scientists, inhale far more pollutants
per pound of body weight than adults, and are the most suseptible
to asthma. The Jury determined that one leaf blower dumps as much
exhaust pollution into the air in an hour as 17 automobiles during
the same time, and that 20 tons of Particulate matter are spewed
into the Orange County air every day from leaf blower use.
Neighboring homes are not immune to noise. They may be occupied
by the elderly, by day workers or sick people. Noise creates stress
and aggravation.
CUE: AUDIO - NOISE
After reviewing all sides, The Orange County Grand Jury dismissed
arguments that it will cost more to have workers use rakes and
brooms, and concluded that the health hazards citizens are exposed
to far outweigh any questionable economic benefits.
As we work to reduce toxic air in our environment, we respectfully
urge you to support our efforts.
CUE: AUDIO - NOISE
The evidence is mounting. Leaf blowers are dangerous.
FADE TO BLACK
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