Wind farms near homes raises many health concerns
I have read with interest the previous articles and letters published in your paper regarding the proposed windmill project in New Denmark. I commend those who have taken the time to provide us with factual information regarding the operation of wind farms in residential areas, regardless of whether they have felt comfortable using their own name or a penname.
With the exception of my post-secondary education, I have lived in the community of New Denmark my entire life. I hope to eventually raise a family in this community and am therefore rightfully concerned with its future. Armed with a background in neuropathology I sought out peer-reviewed literature on the topic, and was dismayed, though not surprised at my findings.
Multiple studies have indicated that the disruption to human circadian rhythms that are a result of the noise produced by wind turbines have severe deleterious health effects. Common side effects include sleep deprivation, headaches (increasing in severity), vertigo, problems in concentration and learning, and tinnitus. Most troublesome perhaps is that these are the most minor of possible side effects. Epidemiologists are also concerned with a condition referred to as Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) which manifests cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic and renal pathologies. Several case studies explore symptoms such as palpitations, respiratory distress, and depression in individuals living near wind farms.
It is my belief that there is some confusion over the “noise” produced by these windmills. What many do not realize is that the literature that focuses on “noise” is actually referring to infrasound and low-frequency acoustics, not a high volume sound that is typically associated with the term. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict the degree to which this type of sound transmission will affect an individual.
In addition to the auditory effects of wind turbines, there is also research into the effects of the visual stimuli produced by the turbines. The two visual contraindications of wind turbines are referred to as shadowing and strobing. Shadowing is much as it sounds, the shadows which are produced by the shaft and blades of the windmill. Alternatively, strobing is produced by the refraction of light off of the blades of the windmill. In addition to the seemingly minor symptoms such as nausea, disorientation and dizziness, there is a high risk of seizure (especially in those individuals who are prone to seizures).
To clarify, I am most certainly in favour of green energy alternatives. In fact I find it most unfortunate that these adverse health effects are associated with what was once believed to be the “energy of the future”. Congratulations to those of you who went looking for this opportunity. I believe that you had the interests of this community at heart when you began your endeavour. However, these findings cannot be ignored.
To those who live in New Denmark, you owe it to yourselves and your loved ones to do your own research. While Internet research is likely your best option, please bear in mind that only the results of peer reviewed articles should be taken into consideration when forming an opinion. Whereas I am certain that it is an admirable thing to concern oneself with reducing their carbon footprint, I am also as certain that it is not admirable to leave footprints on others in the process.
Koleen Jensen
New Denmark
7 January 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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