Occupational Health and Industrial Wind Turbines

Rand, Robert W.; Ambrose, Stephen E.; Krogh, Carmen

doi:10.1177/0270467611417849

Cited by 12 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…This conclusion was similar to that provided in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (39). In 2012, a similar article appeared in BSTS, but with Ambrose as first author.…”

Section: Low-frequency Noise and Infrasoundsupporting

confidence: 75%

“…As reviewed by Knopper and Ollson (9), a number of sources have proposed that the self-reported health effects of some people living near wind turbines may be due to LFN and infrasound [e.g., (20,39,55)]. However, infrasound and LFN are not unique to wind turbines; natural sources of infrasound include meteors, volcanic eruptions, ocean waves, wind, and any effect that leads to slow oscillations of the air (11).…”

Section: Low-frequency Noise and Infrasoundmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing Environmental Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms: Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Future

Adaramola¹

2015

Wind Resources and Future Energy Security

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The association between wind turbines and health effects is highly debated. Some argue that reported health effects are related to wind turbine operation [electromagnetic fields (EMF), shadow flicker, audible noise, low-frequency noise, infrasound]. Others suggest that when turbines are sited correctly, effects are more likely attributable to a number of subjective variables that result in an annoyed/stressed state. In this review, we provide a bibliographic-like summary and analysis of the science around this issue specifically in terms of noise (including audible, low-frequency noise, and infrasound), EMF, and shadow flicker. Now there are roughly 60 scientific peer-reviewed articles on this issue.The available scientific evidence suggests that EMF, shadow flicker, low-frequency noise, and infrasound from wind turbines are not likely to affect human health; some studies have found that audible noise from wind turbines can be annoying to some. Annoyance may be associated with some self-reported health effects (e.g., sleep disturbance) especially at sound pressure levels >40 dB(A). Because environmental noise above certain levels is a recognized factor in a number of health issues, siting restrictions have been implemented in many jurisdictions to limit noise exposure. These setbacks should help alleviate annoyance from noise. Subjective variables (attitudes and expectations) are also linked to annoyance and have the potential to facilitate other health complaints via the nocebo effect. Therefore, it is possible that a segment of the population may remain annoyed (or report other health impacts) even when noise limits are enforced. Based on the findings and scientific merit of the available studies, the weight of evidence suggests that when sited properly, wind turbines are not related to adverse health. Stemming from this review, we provide a number of recommended best practices for wind turbine development in the context of human health.

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Section: Low-frequency Noise and Infrasoundsupporting

confidence: 75%

Section: Low-frequency Noise and Infrasoundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Environmental Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms: Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Future

Adaramola¹

2015

Wind Resources and Future Energy Security

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“…Rand et al (39) and Ambrose et al (40): in the fall of 2011, Rand et al published their findings on noise measurements taken around a residential home online in the Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society (BSTS) (39). In 2012, a similar article appeared in BSTS, but with Ambrose as first author.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wind Turbines and Human Health

Knopper

Ollson

McCallum

et al. 2014

Front. Public Health

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The association between wind turbines and health effects is highly debated. Some argue that reported health effects are related to wind turbine operation [electromagnetic fields (EMF), shadow flicker, audible noise, low-frequency noise, infrasound]. Others suggest that when turbines are sited correctly, effects are more likely attributable to a number of subjective variables that result in an annoyed/stressed state. In this review, we provide a bibliographic-like summary and analysis of the science around this issue specifically in terms of noise (including audible, low-frequency noise, and infrasound), EMF, and shadow flicker. Now there are roughly 60 scientific peer-reviewed articles on this issue. The available scientific evidence suggests that EMF, shadow flicker, low-frequency noise, and infrasound from wind turbines are not likely to affect human health; some studies have found that audible noise from wind turbines can be annoying to some. Annoyance may be associated with some self-reported health effects (e.g., sleep disturbance) especially at sound pressure levels >40 dB(A). Because environmental noise above certain levels is a recognized factor in a number of health issues, siting restrictions have been implemented in many jurisdictions to limit noise exposure. These setbacks should help alleviate annoyance from noise. Subjective variables (attitudes and expectations) are also linked to annoyance and have the potential to facilitate other health complaints via the nocebo effect. Therefore, it is possible that a segment of the population may remain annoyed (or report other health impacts) even when noise limits are enforced. Based on the findings and scientific merit of the available studies, the weight of evidence suggests that when sited properly, wind turbines are not related to adverse health. Stemming from this review, we provide a number of recommended best practices for wind turbine development in the context of human health.

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“…Similarly occupational workers and technicians exposed to IWTs also have reported negative health effects [45]- [51].…”

Section: Iwts and The Well-known Stress Effects Of Noisementioning

confidence: 99%

Human Health, Rights and Wind Turbine Deployment in Canada

Krogh¹,

Horner²

2017

JSS

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Canada has ratified international conventions which recognize the individual's right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. Despite the adoption of these covenants governments sometimes support policies and practises which trade off individual human health with other conflicting interests. This review evaluates the individual's right to health against government policies and practices which support wind energy deployment in Canada. Our analysis presents government documents, peer reviewed literature, and other references which support the conclusion that wind energy deployment in Canada can be expected to result in avoidable harm to human health. This harm conflicts with contemporary health and social justice principles. Governments have a responsibility to help Canadians maintain and improve their health by generating effective responses for the prevention of avoidable harm. Individuals have a right to make informed decisions about their health. Knowledge gaps and potential risks to health should be fully disclosed. Individuals should not be exposed to industrial wind turbines without their informed consent.

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Occupational Health and Industrial Wind Turbines

Cited by 12 publications

References 6 publications

Assessing Environmental Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms: Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Future

Assessing Environmental Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms: Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Future

Wind Turbines and Human Health

Human Health, Rights and Wind Turbine Deployment in Canada

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