Myths about Noise, Health, & Safety
Wind turbines are machines that spin in the wind and generate electricity atop tall towers. As such, the blades, transmission, and generator emit noise when the turbine is operating. Because modern wind turbines are relatively new on the landscape, a veritable cottage industry has arisen attributing a panoply of ills to wind turbines–even when they are not operating. Consequently, there are numerous studies on the health effects of the noise from wind turbines. This section includes links to these studies and to reports on the general environmental impacts and benefits of wind energy.
‘Annoyance’ factor exists
By
Peter Epp
Dr. David Colby doesn’t doubt that some people are bothered by the noise generated by a wind turbine, but the acting medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent says there’s no direct link between wind turbine noise and health problems. . .
The Health Impact of Wind Turbines: A Review of the Current White, Grey, and Published Literature by Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit (Ontario, Canada)
By
Chatham-kent Public Health Unit (ontario, Canada)
opposition to wind farms on the basis of potential adverse health consequences is not justified by the evidence. . .
New report eases concerns over wind turbine noise
By
Department For Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Based on these findings, [the British] Government does not consider there to be a compelling case for further work into AM [Aerodynamic Modulation] and will not carry out any further research at this time; however it will continue to keep the issue under review. . .
Setbacks in California
By
California Wind Energy Collaborative
There is no one setback from residences for large wind turbines in California. Setbacks are regulated by individual counties. In 2006, the University of California at Davis did a survey of setback requirements in California. Note that the setbacks range from ~100 m to 300 m.
The bizarre dance of wind power: Local opponents and right-wing think tanks
By
Erik Curren
First, they raise questions about the role of wind as a source of electricity against America’s main source of electric power today – coal, much of which is mined and burned in Appalachia. Second, disputes over wind farms there clearly show the hand of the same right-wing think tanks that provided cover to the tobacco industry in the ’70s and ’80s when science showed that cigarettes caused cancer and later to oil companies and car makers when global warming became an issue.
