Health Effects of Wind Turbines

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has an ambitious goal of producing 2,000 megawatts of wind energy by 2020, which would be enough to power 800,000 homes. But apparently it is facing some headwinds. The state is forming a panel of independent scientists and doctors to study the health effects of wind turbines on nearby residents. The panel may recommend acceptable sound levels, require manufacturer’s to provide expected sound levels under different conditions and shift some permitting authorities from the local enforcement to state agencies.

The primary concern is the impact of wind turbines on nearby resident’s health and well being. Some residents have reported an increase of sound level by as much as 10 decibels within 1,500 feet of the turbines. The critics argue that the churning of turbines and resulting infra-sound vibrations can produce dizziness, nausea, depression and anxiety. The infra-sound vibration is a low frequency sound wave which is below the normal range of human hearing.

Here is a PBS video on Effects of Wind Turbines on People:



Reference: Abel, David, Wind turbine noise is targeted, The Boston Globe, May 21, 2012
 

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