positive effects of wind turbines on humans

doi:10.1136/bmj.g2351, Keywords: wind turbines, human health, noise, electromagnetic fields, annoyance, infrasound, low-frequency noise, shadow flicker, Citation: Knopper LD, Ollson CA, McCallum LC, Whitfield Aslund ML, Berger RG, Souweine K and McDaniel M (2014) Wind turbines and human health. (17) in that it provided a direct comparison of people who economically benefited from turbines with those who did not, specifically in relation to annoyance. I.e. Denmark has no legislation regarding shadow flicker, but it is generally recommended that there be no more than 10 hours per year when flicker is experienced. On the one hand, to the extent that a property is valuable for a purpose incompatible with wind-energy projects, such as to experience life in a remote and relatively untouched area, a view that includes a wind-energy project—especially one with many turbines—may detract from property values. McCubbin and Sovacool (48): McCubbin and Sovacool (48) presented a comparison of the health and environmental benefits of wind power in contrast to natural gas. J Acoust Soc Am (1999) 105:3336–44. The evaluation should distinguish between short-term and longterm impacts. For example, a proposed wind project in Otsego County, New York, that would have been located within the Lindesay Patent Historic District was later withdrawn.3 Designation of a historic district provides a reasonable indication of historic value, uniqueness, and public concern for the resource. Bakker et al. Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health, Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Fields Fact Sheet No. In this paper, Chapman and St. George investigated the extent to which VAD and its alleged association with wind turbine exposure had received scientific attention, the quality of that association, and how the alleged association gained support by wind farms opponent. Following baseline measurements, expectations were developed by watching videos that either promoted the negative health effects or the potentially therapeutic health effects of exposure to infrasound. published the results of a study conducted in 2010 that evaluated the impact of living in close proximity to wind turbines on an individual’s perceived quality of life. Wind turbines generate low-frequency noise (LFN, 20-200 Hz), which . Research on public perceptions of specific wind-energy projects is fairly common in Europe (both pre- and post-construction studies), but there are fewer examples in the United States (Stanton 2005). Preferences are harder to predict for altered landscapes, although particular qualities of such landscapes have been identified in research of human preferences (Palmer 1983; Smardon et al. Exposure to wind turbines does seem to increase the risk of annoyance and self-reported sleep disturbance in a dose-response relationship. J Psychosom Res (2001) 51:395–401. In contrast, a 2005 analysis by the Power Plant Research Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources concerning a proposed wind energy facility—the Roth Rock facility in Garrett County, Maryland—concluded that the facility would have an uncertain impact on the property values of neighboring properties. Bull Sci Technol Soc (2011) 31:316–20. While such studies are useful in understanding public reactions generally, visual impacts are largely site-specific (Pasqualetti 2005). Shadow flicker intensity is defined as the difference or variation in brightness at a given location in the presence and absence of a shadow. The visual impact may be an important factor contributing to negative attitudes towards wind power, if a wind power plant is established in the near surroundings. They reported that they felt effects inside and outside but preferred being outside. 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. of all possible human impacts from wind-energy projects. Human health benefits were calculated based on a reduction in ambient PM2.5 levels using well-established health impact and valuation functions from the US EPA. Acceptability standards for noise vary by nation, state, and locality. This process is particularly useful when it is part of formally adopted documents such as comprehensive land-use plans, but it can also be used for developing guidelines. (17) in Sweden and the Netherlands, Janssen et al. 20+ years) and its fuel is free, wind energy mitigates the price uncertainty that fuel costs add to . Ann Agric Environ Med (2012) 19:692–6. The authors reported that the measured level of infrasound within the wind farms was well below the audibility threshold and was similar to that of urban and coastal environments and near other engineered noise sources. J Acoust Soc Am (2004) 115:719–29. Wind turbines do not release emissions that can pollute the air or water (with rare exceptions), and they do not require water for cooling. in order to have a positive overall balance. Siting to avoid impacts on highly sensitive recreational uses, and project design to mitigate both direct and indirect impacts can be important. Nevertheless, even beautiful objects may not be desirable in one’s current surroundings. For both wind development and the displaced alternative, the evaluation should consider how new labor, material, and services would be supplied. J Acoust Soc Am (2011) 130:3746–53. Bull Sci Technol Soc (2011) 31:256–61. MyNAP members SAVE 10% off online. For example, Deignan et al. The potential health impact of wind turbines. Quantifying the health and environmental benefits of wind power to natural gas. Pedersen E, Hallberg LRM, Persson Waye K. Living in the vicinity of wind turbines – a grounded theory study. doi:10.1159/000071893, 96. The problems with “noise numbers” for wind farm noise assessment. Furthermore, although it was implied in the title of the article that noise from wind turbines was causing the observed effects, the study did not include either measured or estimated wind turbine noise exposure values for the individual survey respondents. Limiting easement periods to 30 years and option periods to 5 years: To avoid tying up either the landowners or the developer for unduly long periods. A number of search terms were used including: “infrasound and health effects”; “LFN and health effects”; “LFS and health effects”; “wind power and noise”; and “wind turbines AND noise.” In total, 156 articles were identified with 28 articles addressing health effects and LFS related to wind turbines. The software allows more detailed analysis of numbers of turbines that can be seen from any one point. In most cases, recreational uses will be identified in state and local documents and often on maps, although there may be times when recreational uses are only locally known. No date restrictions were entered and literature was assessed up to the submission date of this manuscript (April 2014). He cites improvements in the performance, reliability, and cost effectiveness of modern wind turbines to support his contention that wind energy has come of age as a commercial technology. There is also a growing body of research that suggests that nocebo effects may play a role in a number of self-reported health impacts related to the presence of wind turbines. McCubbin D, Sovacool BK. 2004). Refraction of the EM wave. More comprehensive are the Proceedings of the NWCC Siting Technical Meeting (December 2005), which cover a range of relevant topics and provide a useful bibliography. Noise Health (2011) 13:333–9. Boss LP. This book provides advice for the planning, construction, and operation of land-based wind power projects in ways that can (i) avoid harm to birds, bats, and natural habitats; (ii) manage visual and other local impacts in ways acceptable to ... Towns, counties, regions, and states can provide helpful guidance to developers and decision makers by identifying landscape resources of value. of actual measurements of EMF surrounding wind turbines were contrary to the hypothesis presented by Havas and Colling (42). Knopper LD, Ollson CA. The reasons include a lack of understanding of visual methods for landscape analysis and a lack of clear guidelines for decision making. Influence of distances between places of residence and wind farms on the quality of life in nearby areas. After this, they listened to 10 sets of paired sound samples; one of which contained unmixed road traffic noise and the other that contained wind turbine noise mixed with road traffic at signal-to-noise ratios varying between −30 dB(A) and +10 dB(A). Crichton F, Dodd G, Schmid G, Gamble G, Cundy T, Petrie KJ. Indeed, conclusions stemming from these articles are supported by studies where audible and inaudible noise has been quantified from operational wind turbines. Chapman et al. Several of the hills stand out because of their distinct shapes, including Mount Grant, Morris Mountain, and Jones Peak. As a part of decreasing global warming, there is a huge need for developing such energy sources. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-symptoms/SR00008_D. Lesson plans, science fair experiments, field trips, teacher guide, and career corner. . If payments are to be based on revenues generated by the wind turbines, how much information is the developer willing to disclose concerning how the owners’ revenue will be determined? Excellent software is available for creating simulations, but the technical requirements for accuracy should be clearly understood and specified (see Appendix D). However, the science around EMF and possible health concerns has been extensively researched, with tens of thousands of scientific studies published on the issue. London: Department of Energy and Climate Change (2011). Although wind turbines have been growing in popularity as an energy alternative in the 21 st century, there has been little to no testing done on the effects that these towering turbines could . While public attitude is generally overwhelmingly in favor of wind energy, this support does not always translate into local acceptance of projects by all involved (2). We often have a strong attachment to place and an inherent tendency to protect our “nest.” Concern over changes in our personal landscapes is a universal phenomenon; it is not limited to the United States or to the present day. Here, standards for best practices are evolving as communities and states recognize the need for a more systematic approach to evaluating visual impacts. According to EWEA estimates, between 20 GW and 40 GW of offshore wind energy capacity will be operating in the European Union by 2020. Additionally, the authors found that the color of the wind turbines (base and blade stripes) impacted an individuals’ perception of noise. Wind is an emissions-free source of energy. A total of 54 participants (34 women, 20 men) were randomized into high- or low-expectancy groups and presented with audiovisual information (including internet material) designed to invoke either high or low expectations that exposure to infrasound causes specific symptoms (e.g., headache, ear pressure, itchy skin, sinus pressure, dizziness, vibrations within the body). Then, agency staff can work with the project owner and concerned citizens to resolve the issue. (For reference, frequencies of strobe lights used in discotheques are higher than 3 Hz but lower than 10 Hz.) These articles are published by a variety of different authors with wide and diverse affiliations. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.005, 27. Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report on Independent Expert Panel. This section begins by describing some of the aesthetic issues associated with wind-energy projects. Property values are affected by many variables. The study focused on three NOP traits in particular: neuroticism (N), negative affect (NA), and frustration intolerance (FI). 1986; Priestley 2006). Wind energy is an inexhaustible resource that generates no pollution or toxic waste, does not deplete fresh water resources, and requires no mining, transportation, or refining of a . One in 254 residents across Australia appeared to have ever complained about health and noise, and 73% of these residents live near 6 wind farms that have been targeted by anti-wind farm groups. . We thank the reviewers of this manuscript for their comments. Overall, this investigation provided further evidence that physiological outcomes can be influenced by established expectations. Are the proposed payments adequate now and will they be adequate in the future? This book will inform policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels. While regional economic models have been available for some time, they generally are not well suited to assessing the secondary economic impacts of a single project on a small region or area. Shortly after publication, this editorial was rebuffed by Chapman (46), in another editorial placed in the BMJ. There is considerable variability in the review of proposed projects. The terms "wind energy" and "wind power" both describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Siting guidelines that prospectively identify suitable and unsuitable locations for wind-energy projects have been considered in many regions. Conversely, the outer hair cells of the cochlea are more sensitive to LFN and infrasound and can be stimulated at levels below the auditory threshold. (26) using data collected from 725 survey respondents living in the proximity of wind turbines (<2.5 km) in the Netherlands. Upham P, Whitmarsh L, Poortinga W, Purdam K, Darnton A, McLachlan C, et al. Guidelines are needed concerning distances at which recreational activities can occur safely around wind turbines. Few guidelines currently exist, however, for evaluating indirect impacts of wind-energy projects on historic or sacred sites and landscapes. Moreover, flicker is observed only for a few weeks in the winter season. Although we make this disclosure, we wish to reiterate that as independent scientific professionals our views and research are not influenced by these contractual obligations. In: Vallet M editor. Michaud DS, Keith SE, McMurchy D. Noise annoyance in Canada. Nissenbaum MA, Aramini JJ, Hanning CD. The data available are adequate to predict interference effects and areas and to minimize interference at the planning stage or propose suitable mitigation requirements. The negative impacts can be reduced and mitigated, thereby combating global warming, noise pollution, uncompetitive land use, death, extinction of animal and plant species, and pollution. APA identified money, work, and the economy as the most often cited sources of stress in Americans followed by family responsibilities, relationships, job stability, housing costs, health concerns, health problems, and safety. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.03.095, 35. Cumulative impacts cannot be addressed at the project or local scale, and so a regional or statewide perspective is needed. Visual clutter often is adversely perceived and commonly results from the combination of human-made elements in close association that are of differing shapes, colors, forms, patterns, or scales. Field inventories also are necessary to document descriptive characteristics of the view. These are generally of relatively short duration and occurrence but can include equipment operation, blasting, and noise associated with traffic into and out of the facility. 32. The measurements took place over a 72-h period when temperatures were between 0 and 5.5°C. The book identifies decisions being made in 12 sectors, ranging from agriculture to transportation, to identify decisions being made in response to climate change. In considering how to undertake local interactions and how to temper negative socioeconomic impacts while enhancing benefits, much can be learned from past experiences with other potentially controversial issues. Using . Policy makers and decision makers need better guidance from historic-preservation experts and others concerning the methods for evaluating the effects of wind-energy projects on historic, sacred, and archeological resources. (2014). View our suggested citation for this chapter. Baxter et al. Refraction is the turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another with different refractive properties. These assessments rely on the research concerning human perceptions of landscapes (USFS 1979; Smardon et al. Debate is ongoing with respect to the relationship between reported health effects and wind turbines, specifically in terms of audible and inaudible noise. (2011). Overall the authors did not provide adequate data or support for their arguments, in both papers, nor did they provide accurate information regarding the weight of scientific data on the issue. This book is intended for academics and engineers working in universities, research institutes, and industry sectors wishing to acquire new information and enhance their knowledge of the current trends in wind turbine technology. In the absence of extensive data, this chapter is focused mainly on appropriate methods for analysis and assessment and on recommended practices in the face of uncertainty. The effects of vision-related aspects on noise perception of wind turbines in quiet areas. Infrasound and low frequency noise from wind turbines: exposure and health effects. The apparent size of a wind turbine in relation to its surrounding is most relevant. Referencing a study by Salt and Hullar (20), the authors noted that the inner hair cells of the cochlea, which is the main hearing pathway in mammals, are not sensitive to infrasound. The assumptions and scenarios used to analyze economic development impacts should be clearly stated. Noise levels in the vicinity of wind-energy projects can be estimated during the design phase using available computational models (DWEA 2003a). The U.K. report focused on the development and validation of a computer model that can be used to predict the radar reflection characteristics, which are a function of the complex interaction between radar energy and turbines. As a renewable fuel source, its positive impacts are a lot more than fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Some developers allow open access to project sites that may provide additional opportunities for hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, and other activities. study: “Importantly, while there is an amplification at these lower frequencies, the indoor levels (unweighted) are still far lower than any levels that have ever been shown to cause a physical response (including the activation of the OHC) in humans.”. (23), it is possible that the observed effects were driven by other causes such as conflicts between the community and the wind farm developers rather than a direct result of noise exposure. nuclear power plants. There are a number of reasons why proposed wind-energy projects evoke strong emotional reactions. And the amount of hydropump storage required to store the world’s daily electrical surge is equal to only eight times the volume of Lake Mead. Ninety percentage of complaints were made after anti-wind farm groups added health concerns to their wider opposition in 2009. Generally, noise levels are only computed at low wind speeds (7-8 m/s), because at higher speeds, noise produced by turbines can be (but is not always) masked by ambient noise. Bull Sci Technol Soc (2011) 31:359–62. Note that there is a difference between sound power used to describe the source of sound and sound pres-. The turbines would generate an average of 100 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 50-100 Washington homes during the pilot phase. MassDEP and MDPH. provides recommendations for adapting those methods to the assessment of visual impacts associated with wind-energy projects. The sounds emitted by wind turbines are not unique. In addition, the report concluded that the number of local construction and operations jobs created by the facility depends on the skills locally available (Pedden 2006). Stress in America Findings. Havas M, Colling D. Wind turbines make waves: why some residents near wind turbines become ill. Bull Sci Technol Soc (2011) 31:414–26. This is an eye-opening account of the rise of the anti-windfarm movement, and a timely call for a more evidence-based approach. Most wind-energy projects are proposed on private land where there is far less guidance, especially with respect to evaluating aesthetic impacts. Can expectations produce symptoms from infrasound associated with wind turbines? Learn more about proper wind turbine siting and how it minimizes the impacts on local avian species. In 1996, the global cumulative installed wind power capacity was 6,100 MW; in 2011, that value had grown to 238,126 MW and at the end of 2013 it was 318,137 MW (1). "The wind industry has denied and ignored evidence directly linking wind turbines and sleep disruption leading to negative human and animal impacts worldwide. This is backed up by laboratory measurements that show that the tower introduces only a small, localized (up to approximately 100 m) attenuation of the signal (Buckley and Knight Merz 2005). The studies done about the ill effects of wind turbines on wildlife have for the most part been scattered, and conducted mostly by the people who promote wind energy. Where do hydrocarbon gas liquids come from? However, it is important to note that noise annoyance is known to be strongly affected by attitudinal factors such as fear of harm connected with the source and personal evaluation of the source (91–93) as well as expectations of residents (92). The authors concluded that empirical support was lacking for claims that LFN and infrasound cause serious health affects in the form of “vibroacoustic disease (VAD),” “wind turbine syndrome,” or harmful effects on the inner ear. Processes for evaluating the aesthetic impacts of wind-energy projects should be developed with a better understanding of the aesthetic principles that influence people’s experience of scenery. Many environmentalists and scientists signaled the effects of wind power on animals. It can be theorized that reported health effects are a manifestation of the annoyance that individuals experience as a result of the presence of wind turbines in their communities.”. The health impacts of environmental noise are a growing concern. At least one million healthy life years are lost every year from traffic-related noise in the western part of Europe. These software packages generally provide conservative results as they typically ignore the numerous influencing factors listed above and only consider a worst-case scenario (i.e., no shadow or full shadow). Janssen SA, Vos H, Pedersen E. A comparison between exposure-response relationships for wind turbine annoyance and annoyance due to other noise sources. They should also illustrate “worst-case” conditions to the greatest extent possible (clear weather and leaf-off conditions). Some argue that reported health effects are related to wind turbine operation [electromagnetic fields (EMF), shadow flicker, audible noise, low-frequency noise, infrasound]. These jobs are likely to involve site preparation and facility construction during the project start-up period; skeleton crews for facility, grounds, and transmission line maintenance during facility operation typically about 20 years; and crews to perform decommissioning and site restoration work when the facility is closed. In turn, concerns have been raised about potential adverse health effects on nearby residents. Furthermore, FI may have impacted the way an individual perceived and evaluated environmental factors from an inability to bear or cope with perceived negative emotions, thoughts and events. Interestingly, these symptoms are nearly identical to those suggested by McMurtry (55) as criteria for a “diagnosis of adverse health effects in the environs of industrial wind turbines.”. (7) concluded: “Healthy volunteers, when given information about the expected physiological effect of infrasound, reported symptoms that aligned with that information, during exposure to both infrasound and sham infrasound. Available literature indicates that effects of wind projects on both Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) radio transmission systems are considered to be negligible and only apply at very small distances from the wind turbine (i.e., within tens of meters). noted that: “The experiment reported in this paper supports the hypothesis that previous observations, reporting that retrospective annoyance for wind turbine noise is higher than that for highway noise at the same equivalent noise level, is grounded in higher level appraisal, emotional, and/or cognitive processes. 50. Responses to proposed wind projects based on aesthetics are among the most common reasons for strong reactions to them. In terms of effects being related to wind turbine operational effects and wind turbine noise, there are fewer than 20 articles. Visual impacts vary considerably depending on the particular characteristics of the project and its landscape context. Hanning and Evans (45) and Chapman (46): in 2012, Hanning and Evans had an editorial published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the purpose of which was to opine on the relationship between wind turbines noise and health effects. found a number of historical and geographical variations in wind farm complaints from Australians. With respect to long-term exposure to low levels of EMF, it needs to be acknowledged that the IARC and WHO have categorized EMF as a Class 2B possible human carcinogen, based on a weak association of childhood leukemia and magnetic field strength above 3–4 mG (63). McCoy D, Montgomery H, Arulkumaran S, Godlee F. Climate change and human survival. Bakker RH, Pedersen E, van den Berg GP, Stewart RE, Lok W, Bouma J. BMJ (2014) 348:g2351. Policies regarding aesthetic conditions and wind development on state-owned lands would also be appropriate. Health Psychol (2013). This study presents options to speed up the deployment of wind power, both onshore and offshore, until 2050. It builds on IRENA’s global roadmap to scale up renewables and meet climate goals.

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