Do Wind Farm’s Have Harmful Effects on People

People may think that living near a wind farm would be fine. But what if living near one could cause health problems. Some people believe that living near a wind farm could cause health problems to anyone that is living there. Here is some information of some of the effects that are possible from living near a wind farm.

“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.” More information can be found at this site: http://www.wind-watch.org/news/2009/01/07/wind-farms-near-homes-raises-many-health-concerns/

The following information comes from: http://betterplan.squarespace.com/

“G.P. Van den Berg studied a wind farm in northwestern Germany and discovered that residents living 1640 feet (500m) from wind turbines reacted strongly to wind turbine noise and residents up to 1.18 miles (1900m) distance expressed annoyance. (Click here for source)”

“A survey conducted by Pederson and Waye revealed that less than 10% of the respondents experienced sleep disturbance at distances of 1,984 feet to 3,325 feet and found that sound from the wind turbines was of greater concern in rural environments because of the lower ambient [background] noise. (click here for source) (p. 10, 4.)”

“Eye-witnesses from the Town of Byron, Fond du Lac County, who testified at the public hearing held by the Town of Union Plan Commission live 1,100 feet to 3/4 of a mile from large wind turbines and they currently experience adverse health effects from wind turbine noise such as insomnia, headaches, nausea and dizziness. (click here to see Gerry Meyer's daily noise log) (p.10,5.)”

“Documents reviewed by the study committee recommend wind turbines should be located between half a mile to over a mile from dwellings.”

I think that wind turbines are useful as a clean energy source, but if there are adverse effects on people it would probably be best to have the wind turbines a safe distance away from people.