Street and sidewalk cleaning operations are essential to maintaining a clean and safe urban en-vironment. Despite their vital role, these activities can unintentionally contribute to the emission of pollutants, including particles, microorganisms, and metals, posing potential risks to both human health and the environment. This study aimed to compare personal exposure of workers and passersby to inhalable dust, bioaerosols (cultivated and non-cultivated varieties), and metals emitted during sidewalk cleaning of two distinct urban environments, using either blowing or flashing methods. We show that blowing exposes pedestrian operators to a variety of microor-ganisms, both cultivable and non-cultivable, as well as metallic particles (copper, zinc, and manganese) during all seasons. The levels of bioaerosols emitted were found to be potentially harmful to the pedestrian workers, but may also pose a risk to passing pedestrians. Working in the cab was protective. The use of flashing technology reduced the exposure of blowers to bio-aerosols compared to blowing. The identified sources of pollution can inform the development of policies and guidelines aimed at reducing the environmental and health impacts of cleaning practices, thereby contributing to the promotion of cleaner and safer urban environments.