A REVIEW OF THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE AROUND WIND TURBINES
Two days ago (Mon. Feb. 14/11) I posted here in regards to wind turbines and in the comment section I asked my daughter Kate (PHD. candidate Biology) if she could send me any scientific literature regarding health effects of wind turbines. Well she has done so specifically "Evaluation of the Scientific Literature on the Health Effects Associated with Wind Turbines and Low Frequency Sound" by DRs. Mark and Jennifer Roberts of Wood Dale Illinois. This study was prepared for the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
Conclusions pg.44 " Based on the literature review that was conducted for this white paper, there was not any scientifically peer-reviewed information found demonstrating a link between wind turbines and negative health effects".
Well I admit I'm somewhat taken aback. In the paper itself there are numerous references to the "annoyance" effect of wind turbines. Clearly there are both physiological as well as psychological effects caused by low frequency wind turbines. However as per the Executive Summary: " It is clear that some people respond negatively to the noise qualities generated by the operation of wind turbines, but there is no peer-reviewed, scientific data to support a claim that wind turbines are causing disease or specific health conditions".
I have never disputed "anecdotal" evidence nor am I comfortable suggesting that someone experiencing first hand negative symptoms are wrong, incorrect or misguided. That being said either new scientific evidence is required or perhaps the opponents of wind turbines may have to frame their arguments a little differently. As of this point in time it does not appear that science is supportive of health related claims against wind turbines.
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I think its incredibly important that when it comes to environmental concerns that we focus our claims to what there is evidence for.
ReplyDeleteWhat I mean is that people have a really good case for not wanting wind turbines right beside their houses--the sound is clearly annoying for many people. But if you start making claims for health effects that are not supported by good evidence, it unfocuses the specific concerns that you have and many people might dismiss your concerns altogether.
I think its also important to think about specific issues in terms of their broader context. Here in Ontario we have the largest coal-fired power plant in North America (Nanticoke). These plants emit more air pollution than all the cars in Ontario, and are believed to be responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths a year (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5174391/ns/us_news-environment/).
Compared to that, wind turbines are much much less harmful. No, I don't think they're the magic bullet, but I think they have a role to play along with other measures including conservation, greater government help with geothermal (like you mentioned before), and other renewable resources.
Hi Al, while the scientific evidence to back up the anectdotal copmplaints of people living beside wind turbines is scant there will be in the future more peer reviewed data showing the how wind turbine noise might cause health issues. Alec Salt has published an article http://oto2.wustl.edu/cochlea/windmill.html that concludes that low frequency sounds that you cannot hear do affect the inner ear.
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