My first lawn mowing experience was with a Huffy electric lawn mower.  It was quiet and clean.  The downside was the heavy rubber coated extension cord used to power the mower.

I have since used a Sunbeam twin blade corded mower, a Black and Decker Lawn Hog, and now a 36 volt cordless electric, the Black and Decker  CM1936.  I have two batteries, so I can continue to mow even when the first battery is depleted.

While there is some pollution associated with the generation of the electricity to run the mower, there are no fumes or exhaust emissions released in my yard or in my home.