2021-10-27-BOH-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Presentation by Noise Committee Daniel Koretz, Chair of Lexington Noise Advisory Committee, made a presentation on warrant Article 10, regulating landscape maintenance equipment to seek support from Board of Health. Mr. Flynn asked what will be proposed in the bylaw changes and how it could be supportive by the Board. Dr. Geller commented that was an excellent presentation and extremely informative. He agreed that there are negative health impacts created by noise. Dr. Perlmutter stated there have been studies about noise effects on health,specifically about adverse effects due to excessive noise. Ms. Wolf-Fordham questioned the targeted population who will be affected by using these gas power leaf blowers. Mr. Koretz stated that the Town has stopped using all gas-powered lawn blowing equipment. He reported David Pinsonneault,DPW Director, said he is comfortable to end the use of large gas-powered leaf blowers on all town properties. Dr. Heiger-Bernays stated there will be two pieces needed to be considered: (1) Is there evidence that the noise of this type associated with these conditions adversely affect health and can we state that? (2) There should be a vote on that. She stated Board members need to stick to the noise issue. This is what the article is focused on. Ms. Belanger suggested the Board could also focus on health issues in their motion. Dr. Heiger-Bernays proposed the Board support the Article, stating that the scientific evidence supports the negative impacts of noise at these frequencies and duration, on the health of people working with leaf blowers or these types of equipment. She stated the proposal will support the health risk, which is well documented by authoritative bodies, mainly NIOSH, for noise of these types. Mr. Lucente asked what claims would be supported by Board of health. He suggested the Board should clarify the supported claims. Mr. Koretz stated that what was requested was a statement from Board of Health to support that noise at these levels and substantial exposures to emissions pose a health risk to workers. The Board voted to support the article stating that Board of Health concurs with authoritative bodies, the mainly NIOSH,that noise at these levels and substantial exposure to particulate matter and chemical emissions (VOCs) causes a health risk to workers. Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Chair of Board of Health, asked for a Roll Call Vote to support the proposal from Noise Advisory Committee as stated.Roll Call Vote: Perlmutter—Yes,Wolf- Board of Health 2