AUSSIE, KIWI STUDIES SHOW NO HEALTH ILLS FROM WIND

Health effects from wind power unfounded

David Suzuki, April 16, 2013 (Vancouver Free Press)

“…According to recent research, it may not be the infrasound from wind-energy installations [that causes health effects] but, oddly enough, the warnings from opponents…For a study published in the American Psychological Association’sHealth Psychology journal, researchers from New Zealand’s University of Auckland showed readily available anti-wind-power film footage to 27 people. Another 27 were shown interviews with experts who said infrasound, such as that created by wind turbines, can’t directly cause negative health effects…

“After both real and “sham” exposure, people in the first group were far more likely to report negative symptoms than those in the second. In fact, subjects in the second group reported ‘no symptomatic changes’ after either exposure. According to the researchers, ‘Results suggest psychological expectations could explain the link between wind turbine exposure and health complaints.’”

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“Another study, which has yet to be published, shows people living near wind-power installations report more health problems during anti-wind campaigns. Researchers from Australia’s Sydney University found only 120 complaints from people living within five kilometres of the country’s 49 wind farms between 1993 and 2012. But 68 percent were from people living near five wind farms targeted by anti-wind-farm groups, and 82 per cent occurred after 2009, when wind-energy opponents started highlighting health scares in their campaigns

“…[S]cience shows that wind energy [-- a necessary part of the shift from polluting fossil fuels to clean energy --] does not negatively affect human health in any significant way. An independent panel convened by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the available research and released a report last year. It found no scientific evidence to support most claims about ‘Wind Turbine Syndrome’…At worst, there is some evidence that wind installations may cause annoyance and sleep disruption. But most of the resulting minor effects can be overcome by regulations governing how close windmills are to residences…On the other hand, we know that using fossil fuels for energy has profound effects on human health…”

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