Wind Turbines Make Waves: Why Some Residents Near Wind Turbines Become Ill
Author(s): Dr. Magda Havas, BSc, Ph.D. (Professor of Environmental and Resource Studies – Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada) and David Colling (Bio-Ag Consultants and Distributors, Inc., Wellesley, Ontario, Canada)
Publication: Bulletin of Science, Technology, & Society
Publisher: Sage Publications
Date: September 30, 2011 (online)
Abstract:
People who live near wind turbines complain of symptoms that include some combination of the following: difficulty sleeping, fatigue, depression, irritability, aggressiveness, cognitive dysfunction, chest pain/pressure, headaches, joint pain, skin irritations, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, and stress. These symptoms have been attributed to the pressure (sound) waves that wind turbines generate in the form of noise and infrasound. However, wind turbines also generate electromagnetic waves in the form of poor power quality (dirty electricity) and ground current, and these can adversely affect those who are electrically hypersensitive. Indeed, the symptoms mentioned above are consistent with electrohypersensitivity. Sensitivity to both sound and electromagnetic waves differs among individuals and may explain why not everyone in the same home experiences similar effects. Ways to mitigate the adverse health effects of wind turbines are presented.
