Many people work in the landscaping business and know that it can be grueling work. Long hours carrying out tasks in various weather conditions can take a considerable toll on workers. This occupation can also present various hazards to employees, and toxic exposure may be becoming a greater concern among individuals in the landscaping business.
As a part of carrying out their landscaping duties, many California workers utilize gas-powered leaf blowers and other similar equipment. While these machines may help them get their work completed, they can also expose workers to toxic fumes. One individual stated that he worked in the industry for five years before leaving due to health concerns. The man stated that his exposure to the exhaust produced from the leaf blower he used resulted in his having migraine headaches almost every day.
The report noted that little research is available regarding the health risks that this type of equipment may present. However, the information available suggests that leaf blowers and other machines can emit smog-forming chemicals and toxic contaminants. Additionally, they can also produce ultrafine particles that individuals could inhale and that could later lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer.
Though toxic exposure may not seem like an obvious threat, it can still result in workers suffering considerably. If California workers have developed serious health issues due to such exposure, they may wonder whether they could qualify for workers’ compensation. In order to gain reliable information on this avenue for benefits, interested individuals may wish to speak with knowledgeable attorneys who could assess the specific circumstances of each case and provide guidance and ongoing support.
Source: heraldsun.com, “Noisy, but that’s not all: Leaf blowers flagged as polluters, possible health threat”, Stuart Silverstein and Anna Boiko-Weyrauch, Sept. 19, 2017
