Infrasound and low-frequency noise: Difference between revisions
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Large wind turbines have been known since the early 1980s to produce infrasound and low-frequency [[Adverse impacts of wind energy#Noise|noise]] (ILFN) that is intrusive and detrimental to health, both psychologically and physiologically.[https://www.wind-watch.org/documents/wind-turbine-acoustics-research-bibliography-with-selected-annotation/] | Large wind turbines have been known since the early 1980s to produce infrasound and low-frequency [[Adverse impacts of wind energy#Noise|noise]] (ILFN) that is intrusive and detrimental to health, both psychologically and physiologically.[https://www.wind-watch.org/documents/wind-turbine-acoustics-research-bibliography-with-selected-annotation/] | ||
''Low-frequency noise'' is that at the deeper-pitched end of the human conscious hearing (i.e., “audible”) spectrum, usually defined as the range from 20 Hz to 160 Hz. The full audible spectrum for humans extends up to 20,000 Hz, although for most people it is more limited, and for others it may extend down to 10 Hz or even 5 Hz. | |||
''Infrasound'' is that below the normal audible spectrum, i.e., <20 Hz. It is sensed rather than heard. | |||
ILFN travels much farther with less dissipation than higher-frequency sound. It can go around barriers and penetrate – even resonate with – walls. | |||
Most existing noise regulations – if they exist at all – use [[Decibel|A-weighted noise measurement]], which emphasizes the range of human conscious hearing. Thus they fail to take ILFN into account. (They usually also fail to consider [[amplitude modulation]], another characteristic that makes wind turbine noise more [[Annoyance|annoying]].) | Most existing noise regulations – if they exist at all – use [[Decibel|A-weighted noise measurement]], which emphasizes the range of human conscious hearing. Thus they fail to take ILFN into account. (They usually also fail to consider [[amplitude modulation]], another characteristic that makes wind turbine noise more [[Annoyance|annoying]].) | ||
In 2011, Denmark imposed a 20 dBA limit for low-frequency (10–160 Hz) noise inside homes.[http://docs.wind-watch.org/DK-statute-wind-turbine-noise.pdf] A few localities have imposed limits defined by C-weighted measurements in addition to A-weighted, e.g., 50 dBC at the property line.[http://wndfo.net/ords] | In 2011, Denmark imposed a 20 dBA limit for low-frequency (10–160 Hz) noise inside homes.[http://docs.wind-watch.org/DK-statute-wind-turbine-noise.pdf] A few localities have imposed limits defined by C-weighted measurements in addition to A-weighted, e.g., 50 dBC at the property line.[http://wndfo.net/ords] | ||
'''''See also:''''' [[Health effects of wind turbine noise]]. | |||
Revision as of 15:35, 31 August 2017
Large wind turbines have been known since the early 1980s to produce infrasound and low-frequency noise (ILFN) that is intrusive and detrimental to health, both psychologically and physiologically.[1]
Low-frequency noise is that at the deeper-pitched end of the human conscious hearing (i.e., “audible”) spectrum, usually defined as the range from 20 Hz to 160 Hz. The full audible spectrum for humans extends up to 20,000 Hz, although for most people it is more limited, and for others it may extend down to 10 Hz or even 5 Hz.
Infrasound is that below the normal audible spectrum, i.e., <20 Hz. It is sensed rather than heard.
ILFN travels much farther with less dissipation than higher-frequency sound. It can go around barriers and penetrate – even resonate with – walls.
Most existing noise regulations – if they exist at all – use A-weighted noise measurement, which emphasizes the range of human conscious hearing. Thus they fail to take ILFN into account. (They usually also fail to consider amplitude modulation, another characteristic that makes wind turbine noise more annoying.)
In 2011, Denmark imposed a 20 dBA limit for low-frequency (10–160 Hz) noise inside homes.[2] A few localities have imposed limits defined by C-weighted measurements in addition to A-weighted, e.g., 50 dBC at the property line.[3]
See also: Health effects of wind turbine noise.