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.
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What do you consider a safe distance? Should the North Dakota state legislature pass a bill that limits how close turbines can be built to where people live? I am excited that North Dakota is finally tapping into one of its most valuable resources. Now if there are health issues due to these turbines, then that must be addressed. If the turbines need to be built for example at least two miles from where people live, that would not be as hard in North Dakota as it would be in more populated states.
ReplyDeleteI did not realize that there were so many health problems associated with the wind turbines. All you hear about in North Dakota is how good clean, renewable power supply can be produced right here. If just one has to be placed a half mile away, would that mean if more are placed together they need to be farther away because they all make noise creating a louder noise? If so do they need to be put in the ocean where people do not live or in the country where no homes or farms are within hearing distances?
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there were health problems related to wind turbines...I actually hear real good things about them. I think that if they really do cause those problems, they should be kept a safe distance away from them. I know that I would be very annoyed hearing a wind turbine everyday! I wouldn't say a mile is an unreasonable length for them to be kept away from humans.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of things like this before on television somewhere. The story that I heard is that the vibration caused by wind turbines can create a lot of different problems for humans. I wonder if there is a way to get rid of some of the vibrations and what is even causing the vibration. Is it loose parts that need to be fixed or replaced or is it something with how the electricity is created in the turbines.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first news I have heard of wind turbines having to do with health problems from humans. You always hear about these studies that deal with birds and that some species won't nest within so many feet or yards of one. This makes me wonder if their is a distance that is ok to live from a wind turbine? Also is this a location where many wind turbines are located, or just one, or few, how many? I guess I would have to live next to a wind turbine to actually know what the problems would be, but off hand I can't really picture their to be one.
ReplyDeleteWell I kind of don't agree most of these studies because I believe that all these conditions are psychosomatic, meaning if people think that there are health problems, they develop health problems. “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.” Like the sleep deprivation I am sure this happens for a short while after the wind farms are working but look at towns that have a railroad track running through the middle of town. I grew up 100 yards away from a train yard where trains are hooking up carts, what I am saying is that people get use to the sounds. Hell people even miss the sounds after they move away. I do not agree with the problems stated in the blog.
ReplyDeleteOh jeez, I didn't know there were any negatives to having windfarms. I wonder if there is anything we can do to reduce the noise that the turbines give off. I also agree with what Steve said, it is just a new sound that people are getting used too. I am sure that after awhile people will be getting used to the sound and they will start getting more and better quality of sleep.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there are very many wind farms in North Dakota that are within 3/4 of a mile from people's houses. I'm not certain how many people this would effect and if it would be worth the time, money, and effort to change the few locations that are close to human populations. Since these towers are not owned by the government, I don't think that these companies have the right to build wherever they want, so if you don't want to have a wind tower 1000 ft. from your house, you don't have to.
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