March 17, 2011
U.K.

Can wind farms really make you ill? The evidence

By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent, The Telegraph, www.telegraph.co.uk 17 March 2011

Noise
A study commissioned by the American Wind Energy Association found that the irritation caused by the noise around wind farms can effect certain individuals. They said the swishing sound caused by wind turbines can “annoy” some people, keeping them awake at night and even causing psychological problems because of the stress. However the report by independent scientists dismissed the idea of a “wind turbine syndrome” where the vibrations in the air or the particular sound waves from wind turbines cause headaches, nausea and panic attacks.

Flicker
Shadow flicker is the flickering effect caused when rotating wind turbine blades periodically cast shadows through constrained openings, such as windows. The strobe effect could be a problem for the tiny percentage of the population who suffer from epilepsy. Past studies have found the problem could cause “significant nuisance” to residents over the long term. However an official report commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change found that it should not cause “a significant risk to health” in Britain.

Blade glint
Sunlight glinting on turbines can cause flashing light. However most manufacturers now paint blades a dull colour to stop reflection of the light.

Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation from the generation and export of electricity have caused concern. But tests have shown levels are too low to affect human health.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/03/17/can-wind-farms-really-make-you-ill-the-evidence/