Hearsay Versus Science - Health Impacts of Wind Turbines

The health impacts of Falmouth’s wind turbines have received a lot of press. The Falmouth Enterprise on 10/2/15 twice mentioned “potential health impacts” and stated “neighbors on Blacksmith Shop Road also say they have noticed the health benefits that have come with the turbine’s temporary shutdown.” A Cape Cod Times article on 9/29/15 quoted Mr. Neil Andersen’s statement “People have to remember that this is all about the ill health”. What exactly are these health impacts? Let’s take a look at what public health professionals have to say on this topic.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and Department of Public Health (DPH) convened a distinguished team of experts to study this topic. All seven members of the “Independent Expert Science Panel” had MD or PhD degrees. Member credentials included Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, and Boston University School of Public Health. Here’s an excerpt from their reportpublished in January 2012:

“Claims that infrasound from wind turbines directly impacts the vestibular system have not been demonstrated scientifically. Available evidence shows that the infrasound levels near wind turbines cannot impact the vestibular system…

There is no evidence for a set of health effects, from exposure to wind turbines that could be characterized as a “Wind Turbine Syndrome.” …

None of the limited epidemiological evidence reviewed suggests an association between noise from wind turbines and pain and stiffness, diabetes, high blood pressure, tinnitus, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, and headache/migraine.”

The Australian Medical Association published a position statement on 3/18/14 “Wind Farms and Health”. An excerpt:

“The infrasound and low frequency sound generated by modern wind farms in Australia is well below the level where known health effects occur, and there is no accepted physiological mechanism where sub-audible infrasound could cause health effects.

Individuals residing in the vicinity of wind farms who do experience adverse health or well-being, may do so as a consequence of their heightened anxiety or negative perceptions regarding wind farm developments in their area. Individuals who experience heightened anxiety or diminished health and well-being in the context of local wind farms should seek medical advice.

The reporting of ‘health scares’ and misinformation regarding wind farm developments may contribute to heightened anxiety and community division, and over-rigorous regulation of these developments by state governments.”

Health Canada, a branch of the Canadian government, published the results of a peer-reviewed study on 11/6/14. The study included 1238 homes, more than 4000 hours of noise measurements and “collection of objectively measured outcomes that assess hair cortisol, blood pressure and sleep quality”. Here’s an excerpt from theHealth Canada summary. (WTN means wind turbine noise)

“The following were not found to be associated with WTN exposure:

· self-reported sleep (e.g., general disturbance, use of sleep medication, diagnosed sleep disorders);

· self-reported illnesses (e.g., dizziness, tinnitus, prevalence of frequent migraines and headaches) and chronic health conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes); and

· self-reported perceived stress and quality of life.”

The massive Health Canada study prompted Falmouth’s board of health to formally reject claims of health impacts in their 10/19/15 letter to selectmen.

Citizens, elected officials and journalists would do well to consider the results of mainstream public health research, rather than focusing on anecdotes.

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