Should air blowers be banned? |10 January 2024
The use of air blowers in Seychelles has been both an effective cleaning machine as well as a constant menace. In relation to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment has advised the public of the many dangers that can be caused by air blowers.
The use of air blowers, particularly in certain environments, can have both positive and adverse effects. While air blowers are commonly used for various purposes such as drying, cooling, and ventilation, there are potential downsides to consider.
One of the major problems they can cause is Airborne Contaminant Dispersion, which can be problematic in areas where there are harmful substances, allergens, or airborne pathogens. Another constant constraint is noise pollution; the noise caused by the air blower poses a threat to the hearing of the individual using the contraption as well as posing an overall discomfort to the individuals in the vicinity.
Furthermore, it plays an active role in energy consumption and temperature redistributions. The most important concern posed by this instrument is to the environment and to the people.
For example, in outdoor environments, air blowers can contribute to the erosion of soil and the displacement of loose materials. This can be problematic in areas where preserving the natural landscape is important. In addition, the dispersal of airborne particles by air blowers can potentially pose health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies. It is therefore urging the users of this tool to consider the impact it poses on air quality.
Considering alternative methods and technologies that may be more suitable for a particular situation is advisable. Especially, in Seychelles, a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, environmental considerations are particularly important due to the fragile ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna.
Following the struggles of placing a regulation on the air blowers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment has made suggestions to help mitigate such concerns and damages. Suggestions such as switching to low pressure air blowers, time restrictions like limiting the duration and frequency of air blower use and also considering vegetation protection, implementing protective measures for nearby vegetation, such as covering plants during air-blowing activities.
Sharon Gerry, the senior legal officer for the Ministry of Environment said, “We recognise what a nuisance these air blowers are especially to the air, hence the suggestions made.”
Other suggestions include an environmental impact assessment to understand the potential effects of air blower use in specific locations, along with providing education and training, to train operators to use air blowers responsibly and raise awareness about the potential environmental impact.
Ms Gerry added that “We will be pushing forth to instate our regulations in 2024 in hopes to protect our environment.”
“The goal is to keep our country and environment safe and evergreen,” she concluded.