Independent health experts have revealed that wind turbines do not threaten human health

Jan 19, 2012 08:25 GMT  ·  By
A panel of independent experts indicate that wind turbines do not pose any health risks
   A panel of independent experts indicate that wind turbines do not pose any health risks

Wind farms represent one of the most criticized sources of eco-friendly power. Some authorized voices indicate they are useless, 'ugly,' and not powerful and reliable enough to make a difference in the sector of alternative energy, while others are concerned about their impact on human health

So far, skeptics linked wind turbines to all kinds of illnesses and disorders, from diabetes to mental health problems.

In order to clarify the situation and eliminate all uncertainties affecting the popularity of wind farms, The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has worked in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to analyze the impact of wind turbines on people's wellbeing.

A group of independent health experts has reached the conclusion that there is no scientific evidence demonstrating the existence of the so-called 'wind turbine syndrome,' after studying previous reports and scientific literature.

“Some members of the public have raised concerns that wind turbines may have health impacts related to noise, infrasound, vibrations, or shadow flickering generated by the turbines. The goal of the Panel's evaluation and report is to provide a review of the science that explores these concerns and provides useful information to MassDEP and MDPH and to local agencies that are often asked to respond to such concerns,” indicate MassDEP representatives.

Moreover, after taking into consideration the impact of wind turbines on the health of people living in their vicinity, the panel indicates that the widely blamed 'wind turbine syndrome' is a myth.

Some homeowners dragged the developers of wind farms to court, blaming wind turbines for disrupting their balance, perturbing their sleep and affecting their daily activities. The recent report reveals that wind farms may have their disadvantages, but none of them is linked to health risks. “We conclude the weight of the evidence suggests no association betweennoise from wind turbines and measures of psychological distress or mental health problems. 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,” note the experts in their report.

This information appears to be very useful at this point in time, favoring the development of wind power facilities and helping the Commonwealth of Massachusetts achieve its goal of obtaining 2000 MW of wind energy, from only 40 MW currently generated, by 2020.