We all agree: Renewable energy is needed.
The disagreement comes when one side believes anything goes-as long as it is “renewable” or can make them money.
The other side thinks renewable is fine-as long as it, first, does not hurt the health and safety of those near it.
Educate yourself to the many areas of concern.
At a Town of Chilton Board meeting Oct. 29-a Packer night!-the hall was filled. Rick James with E-Coustic Solutions in Michigan gave a challenging lesson in low-frequency sounds produced by turbines.
The crowd learned that a five decibel increase in noise was not a simple five-unit increase. It’s not adding five bushels of corn to 10 to make 15 bushels. Instead, a decibel is a logarithmic unit that describes a ratio. So a small number can describe a very big ratio in sound.
The crowd learned that at certain sound levels, internal organs can vibrate. The body responds by growing fibers to hold organs in place. Research papers from the recent International Meeting on Wind Turbine Noise in Lyon, France and you can find research presented into vibro-acoustic disease. Low frequency noise-the type produced by industrial wind turbines-produces collagen growth in arteries. Thickening of the sac surrounding the heart was found in individuals exposed to low-frequency noise. What will this do to developing fetuses? How will this affect us, our children and grandchildren, cattle, wildlife and other animals?
The crowd learned that sound waves from one turbine can affect each home-and homeowner-differently, depending on home shape and location. When sound waves from two turbines meet, a “thud” results. What will result when many sound waves collide?
The crowd learned about ill effects on sleep, concentration, mood.
Industrial wind turbines: much to learn, much reason for concern.
Anita Popp
Chilton
8 November 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/11/08/much-reason-for-concern-on-wind-turbines/