How can someone minimize negative health effects from using a lawnmower?

Question

So lawnmowers pollute significantly more than cars. Thus, using a lawnmower is basically the equivalent of breathing in auto exhaust (if not worse).

So I'm wondering - is there a way to minimize the negative health effects from using a lawnmower? Are there certain types of lawnmower gasoline that are cleaner than other types? What about high-octane gasoline?

Also, what about protecting oneself from all the particulate matter in the gasoline? And what about some of the emissions from the lawnmower like VOCs, nitrogen dioxide, and benzene? I'm not too concerned about carbon monoxide as it doesn't really have chronic health effects. The others do, though.

Also, I live under parents, so many of the options don't really exist

Answer 1

Get one of those spiral push manual mowers. Bonus - Burn some calories instead of gas!

Answer 2

I use an electric lawnmower, which I actually am quite happy with now that I have learned to manage the extension cord. I've found it is much more reliable than gas mowers I have used in the past, and I enjoy not having to store/buy/refill/mix gas for it.

The cord does limit the effective range of the lawnmower, so if you have a large lawn, it may not be an option. Additionally, it takes some time to learn to manage the cord, similarly to how one might manage the cord while vacuuming.

If you have a smaller yard though, I do recommend an electric lawn mower. Look for good reviews before buying.