Resident presenter tells New Canaan committee gas leaf blowers pose health and noise risks

John Lehi, a New Canaan resident who researched the issue, presented research to the Town Council Committee on Health and Human Services describing airborne and noise harms from gas-powered leaf blowers and argued for at least seasonal restrictions.

Lehi told the committee that two-stroke gas engines used in many blowers expel a high proportion of partially burned fuel and unburned hydrocarbons, which the presenter said include compounds linked in some studies to cancer and other organ damage. He cited particulate pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) and said children and pregnant people are particularly vulnerable because of higher air intake per body weight and developing organs. Lehi also described low-frequency noise from gas blowers as penetrating windows and walls and linked such noise in the literature to sleep disruption, anxiety and learning impacts.

Lehi pointed to actions in other municipalities, noting several Westchester County communities and Norwalk have restricted leaf blower use and that some towns have multi-season limits or year-round bans. He argued summer restrictions would address the period of highest exposure when windows are open and residents — especially children — are outdoors.

Council members asked New Canaan health staff whether the local department could lead public education or be part of a panel. Amy Lahnini, director of health, said the department is prioritizing core local public-health responsibilities (vaccination programs, vector control and similar work) and is not currently staffed to undertake toxicology or pollution regulatory analysis. She suggested the town could invite state-level air-quality or environmental experts or other agencies such as occupational safety (OSHA) to participate in any advisory panel.

Committee members discussed noise ordinances and municipal experience: health departments historically handled noise in some towns, but many municipalities have shifted enforcement to police departments. Attendees noted Greenwich and other communities had previously involved local health officials when addressing leaf blower noise and that noise enforcement often rests with police. Connecticut’s proposed state-level measure discussed at the meeting would apply to state agencies only and therefore would not by itself restrict private landscapers or homeowners in New Canaan.

Discussion only: Lehi’s presentation and committee Q&A did not produce a vote or ordinance draft at the meeting. The health department agreed to help identify state experts and said staff could participate in further informational sessions if asked.