Industrial wind turbines (IWTs) are being installed at a fast pace globally. Researchers, medical practitioners, and media have reported adverse health effects resulting from living in the environs of IWTs. While there have been some anecdotal reports from technicians and other workers who work in the environs of IWTs, little is known about the occupational health sector. The purpose of this case study is to raise awareness about the potential for adverse health effects occurring among workers. The authors propose that there is a need for research regarding occupational worker exposure relating to IWTs.

Wind turbines produce sound that is capable of disturbing local residents and is reported to cause annoyance, sleep disturbance, and other health-related impacts. An acoustical study was conducted to investigate the presence of infrasonic and low-frequency noise emissions from wind turbines located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, USA. During the study, the investigating acousticians experienced adverse health effects consistent with those reported by some Falmouth residents. The authors conclude that wind turbine acoustic energy was found to be greater than or uniquely distinguishable from the ambient background levels and capable of exceeding human detection thresholds. The authors emphasize the need for epidemiological and laboratory research by health professionals and acousticians concerned with public health and well-being to develop effective and precautionary setback distances for industrial wind turbines that protect residents from wind turbine sound.

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Significant proportions of IWT facility neighbors complain about turbine noise and sleep disturbances, among other adverse health complaints. We undertook an independent evaluation of several wind turbine projects located in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Illinois, Michigan, West Virginia, and Wisconsin to assess if common etiological factors exist. Adverse effects appear to relate to a basket of common factors that were overlooked or not included in preconstruction planning including noise predictions and assessments of likely community reactions. Correcting oversights in future projects should result in quieter IWT projects with reduced or no adverse community reactions. A unified methodology for doing so, enabling wind turbine developers, governmental agencies, municipal boards, and private citizens to assess for potential adverse noise impacts during the permitting phase is presented. Our results are consistent with prior USEPA studies, WHO assessments, and Pedersen and Waye research, among others.

The conversion of a 650-MW power station unit from oil to coal included conversion from forced to balanced draft boiler operation and the addition of two induced draft fans rated at over one million CFM each. The fans required 25 dB tonal noise reduction to meet nondegradation noise criteria. Two tuned reactive/absorptive discharge duct silencers were purchased. Detailed performance tests were required in the purchase specification and were conducted on a prototype silencer to assure the manufacturer's guarantee would be met. Several performance indices were measured: insertion loss, noise reduction, attenuation, and pressure drop. Narrow-band frequency analysis was utilized. Community noise measurements were made following silencer installation. They indicated the silenced fans were inaudible.