Health Effects Related to Wind Turbine Noise Exposure: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundWind turbine noise exposure and suspected health-related effects thereof have attracted substantial attention. Various symptoms such as sleep-related problems, headache, tinnitus and vertigo have been described by subjects suspected of having been exposed to wind turbine noise.ObjectiveThis review was conducted systematically with the purpose of identifying any reported associations between wind turbine noise exposure and suspected health-related effects.Data SourcesA search of the scientific literature concerning the health-related effects of wind turbine noise was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and various other Internet sources.Study Eligibility CriteriaAll studies investigating suspected health-related outcomes associated with wind turbine noise exposure were included.ResultsWind turbines emit noise, including low-frequency noise, which decreases incrementally with increases in distance from the wind turbines. Likewise, evidence of a dose-response relationship between wind turbine noise linked to noise annoyance, sleep disturbance and possibly even psychological distress was present in the literature. Currently, there is no further existing statistically-significant evidence indicating any association between wind turbine noise exposure and tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo or headache.LimitationsSelection bias and information bias of differing magnitudes were found to be present in all current studies investigating wind turbine noise exposure and adverse health effects. Only articles published in English, German or Scandinavian languages were reviewed.ConclusionsExposure to wind turbines does seem to increase the risk of annoyance and self-reported sleep disturbance in a dose-response relationship. There appears, though, to be a tolerable level of around LAeq of 35 dB. Of the many other claimed health effects of wind turbine noise exposure reported in the literature, however, no conclusive evidence could be found. Future studies should focus on investigations aimed at objectively demonstrating whether or not measureable health-related outcomes can be proven to fluctuate depending on exposure to wind turbines.

Health effects of wind turbines in working environments – a scoping review

“…An increased risk of noise annoyance, sleep disorders, and general health problems due to exposure to noise from onshore wind turbines does not solely emerge among workers, but also among residents living in the vicinity of onshore wind turbines (6)(7)(8). In contrast to residents, who are exposed to wind turbine noise during the day and night, workers are only exposed during their working time.…”

“…Health effects arising from wind turbines, primarily from wind turbine noise, among residents living in their surroundings have been investigated in numerous studies and summarized in related systematic reviews and metaanalyses (6)(7)(8). On the other hand, statistical data on accidents, injuries and diseases emerging from working in the wind energy sector are lacking (4).…”

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“…For example, according to Waaijman, spirituality is a process of re-formation which "aims to recover the original shape of man, the image of God. To accomplish this, the re-formation is oriented at a mold, which represents the original shape: in Judaism the Torah, in Christianity Christ, in Buddhism Buddha, in the Islam Muhammad [20]." The spirituality in recent literature is confined to "what gives meaning to life and provides pleasure" [21,22], a definition which has been derived of Hedonism school according which the human pleasure is the most important intrinsic good and every person has right to do anything for achievement of his/her favorite pleasure [23,24].…”

“…Moreover, some studies demonstrated the reduced mortality among those patients attending frequently in worship services, compared to those with no attendance in worship services [48]. According to some studies on metastatic cancer patients, it was revealed there is more satisfaction with life, happier state, and reduced pain in patients with well religious and spiritual beliefs in comparison with others with poor spiritual views [20].…”

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“…Despite these lofty ideals, a recent review observed [71]: "Exposure to wind turbines does seem to increase the risk of annoyance and self-reported sleep disturbance in a dose-response relationship. There appears, though, to be a tolerable level of around L Aeq of 35dB. "…”