UCAIR to help residents replace their gas-powered leaf blowers
Sep 16, 2025, 7:48 PM
A person operates a leaf blower. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — Through a partnership between the Utah Clean Air Partnership, better known as UCAIR, Union Pacific Railroad and Lowe’s Home Improvement, some Utahns will get electric leaf blowers. The project is meant to help residents decrease emissions associated with their gas-powered yard maintenance gear.
A press release from UCAIR said 450 people, who were pre-selected randomly from a pool of 631 applicants, have been invited to trade in their equipment. The event is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Lowe’s Lehi store at 242 N 1200 E.
Gas leaf blowers can impact environment, health
By adopting electric leaf blowers, users can reduce pollution in their neighborhoods. According to Monmouth University, fumes emitted by the engines that power gas leaf blowers can emit benzene, butadiene and formaldehyde, which are all known carcinogens. Additionally, they emit carbon dioxide and methane, leading pollutants in climate change, and other particulates that can lead to heart disease.
Pollution floats over the Salt Lake Valley. (Ravell Call/Deseret News)
In addition to their emissions, gas-powered leaf blowers can cause hearing damage. According to The ENT Center of Central Georgia, these devices produce high decibels of noise, which can damage hearing over time.
Although each leaf blower model is different, gas-powered models can emit at least 80 decibels. Per Monmouth University, any sound above 70 decibels is harmful. Over time, loud noises can damage sensitive structures within our ears, resulting in hearing loss.
Electric leaf blowers emit fewer decibels, which some models being as quiet as 65 decibels, although exact levels depend on the model.
Can’t go electric yet? Do these things to protect your health
If you currently can’t adopt an electric model, there are a few things you can do to protect your health.
The Hearing Health Foundation recommended wearing earplugs during any long exposure to high decibel levels, like we experience when operating yard maintenance equipment.
Stihl, a company that manufactures power tools, also recommended wearing a mask and goggles.
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