Ban Leaf Blowers in Sunnyvale!

Dear City of Sunnyvale,
Please join other progressive bay area cities and ban leaf blower use. One of the many pleasures of living in Sunnyvale is enjoying the outdoors, having our windows open, and listening to the many birds. None of these are possible starting at 8:00 in the morning when the hoards of local garden services start their day. 

Leaf blowers and other gas-powered hand-held garden equipment create massive noise pollution which is proven to cause increased stress and related health problems; they stir-up allergens and pour harmful emissions into our air. Jane Dale Owen states in Clean Comments ((http://www.cleanhouston.org/comments/archives/leaf_blowers.htm):

 "... these devices have become notorious for noisily stirring up dangerous dust including airborne feces, allergens, molds, and pollens. All of these pollutants aggravate allergy and asthma problems. The Los Angeles chapter of the American Lung Association has produced research to illustrate how leaf blowers generate as much pollution in one hour as a car driven for 100 miles produces...At-Risk groups include the elderly with cardio-pulmonary problems; individuals who exercise outdoors, and young infants. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has been associated with the negative effects and pollutants from leaf blowers according to a 1997 government study; %u201CThe Relationship between Selected Causes of Infant Mortality and Particulate Air Pollution in the United States.

Gasoline powered Leaf Blowers use two-stroke engines that are not only smoky, but induce pollution from the combustion of oil. Emissions from these machines include particulate materials, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons (CO, NOx, and HC)."

This is just one example of the massive research available proving that for very little positive impact, these devices cause undue stress, damage the environment and aggravate if not directly cause a multitude of health problems.  Using rakes and hand tools, however, is actually more efficient than blowing piles of debris around, and is also good exercise.

Local cities who have banned leaf blower use have reported 100% satisfaction from citizens and little to no negative economic results (source: http://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/other.htm#blowerbans).

Please take immediate action to ban these mighty menaces and help Sunnyvale destress, go green, and thrive!