3/20/2009 9:32:00 AM
READER OPINION-Study points to health hazards of wind turbines
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To the editor:
Developers of industrial wind facilities purport the safety and benefits of living close to wind turbines.
A closer look paints a far different story.
Doctors throughout the world have conducted studies on the health effects of industrial wind facilities including Dr. Robert McMurtry, Ontario, Canada; Dr. Nina Pierpont, USA; Dr. Amanda Harry, UK; and Dr. Robin Phipps, New Zealand. Dr. Pierpont reports Wind Turbine Syndrome is the disruption of sensory input to eyes, ear and stretch and pressure receptors in a variety of body locations." She also states, "One does not have to be able to hear low frequency noise and vibration to experience the effects described as Wind Turbine Syndrome."
You don't have to travel far to investigate the reports of health concerns. In a recent listening session held by state Senator Joe Leibham in Fond du Lac County, over 50 people shared concerns including negative health effects attributed to the turbines since the project went on line. Many report jet engine and wooshing sounds day and night, sleep problems, headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, and depression.
Included in the list of complaints are continuous shadow flicker, strobe light effect and loss of property values leading to mental stress. Those living near turbines report, "pulsations laying down in bed and when the turbines get into a particular position, tremors going through your body...it feels like something is vibrating your body like sitting in a vibrating chair but your body is not moving."
McMurtry states, "I am really concerned because there have been too many reports in too many places around the world about ill effects, adverse effects on health, the low frequency noise has a particular problem and a number of people have reported ill effects including headaches, dizziness, and ringing in their ears or something worse." Others report that the shadow flicker can be seen even with the eyes closed especially when waking up. The constant motion is distracting even in your home yet the wind turbine developers continue to report that shadow flicker is minimal and of no concern. Yet, those living in the industrial facility seeking remediation from the shadow flicker are being offered to be a part of the "shade abatement" program where WE Energies purchases window shades for their homes. If there were no problems to begin with why the remediation programs?
Pierpont reports, "Developer statements and preconstruction modeling lead communities to believe that disturbances from noise and vibration will be negligible or nonexistent." Dr. Pierpont (USA), Dr. Phipps (New Zealand) and Dr. Harry (UK) are calling for a minimum of 1.5 miles from homes; France's National Academy of Medicine calls for a one mile minimum setback; the United Kingdom Noise Association calls for a one mile setback, and at one time, Renew Wisconsin also recommended a one mile setback.
Those living in or near industrial wind facilities experiencing health-related concerns are encouraged to contact county health departments and keep track of symptoms and numbers of calls placed stating you are expecting a call back regarding your concerns. Also, make sure to tell your health care professionals that you are living in an area where industrial wind turbines are operating and have symptoms similar to Wind Turbine Syndrome.
Respectfully,
Diane Hoerth and Teresa Hahn
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