The controversy about health issues and wind turbine proximity has taken another step toward getting resolved. A new study has been completed that was financed by the industry itself has concluded there is nothing to link human health threats to wind turbines. This flies in the face of those people who reside near these near continuously spinning arms and their numerous complaints of physiological strain.
A review by world renowned experts of published data regarding possible health issues concerning wind turbine technology by the Canadian Wind Energy Association and its American counterpart was conducted to resolve once and for all the issue.
The research expert’s summary acknowledged that a small number of people were annoyed by the noise discharged by the rotating blades, but there was nothing unique with that situation and there was no confirmation that this could make anyone ill.
In particular the study concluded there was no verification that the audible or sub audible sound that emanated from the wind turbines caused any kind of unfavorable physical effects. It also found that any ground level reverberations were simply too subtle to be distinguished by or affect humans.
The experts also suggested that the complaints from people might have been coming from those who had a lowered tolerance level of irritating sounds of most kinds. One top complaint about the wind turbines was that the sound of the turbine is variable and changes pitch. Someone could find this noise annoying; any reaction would be dependent on personal traits as opposed to how intense the level of sound was. However, that was not good enough for John Laforet, President of Wind Concerns Ontario who stated these experts were talking “weasel words”.
He pointed out that when a person has their health compromised, it does not necessarily mean a disease. Wind turbines can have a devastating effect on individuals when they are constructed too close to residential areas and their home.
One woman who lives in an area in rural Ontario near wind turbines claims her and her spouse suffered headaches, anxiety and sleep interruption when a group of wind turbines was installed by their residence. When they finally relocated, they immediately noticed a difference in their health status.
She weighed in on the issue by telling national TV news that she has nothing against wind energy but that it should not be installed near people. Laforet says that over one hundred Ontarians have expressed their displeasure regarding undesirable effects from the wind turbines.
A number of detractors have disputed the study conclusions after it was released, stating the obvious, that it was funded by the wind energy industry advocacy groups and so it was skewed. Nevertheless, doctors and research scientists included in the study said the industry sponsorship did not represent a conflict of interest with those carrying out the research.
One of the study’s authors, a physician and a regional health official, claimed the experts were told they had entirely open consent and there was no tainting of facts or results.
He stated emphatically that none of the study participants had their opinions for sale and said the government needed to fund their own research into the problem of wind turbines and their effect on the health of those living in close proximity.
The study also confirmed that the tiny number and unscientific quality of current wind turbine grievances were not enough to campaign for further funding for future investigations or inquiries.
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