Do Wind Turbines Cause Adverse Health Effects?

This claim is a bit bogus in my opinion but Dr. Nina Pierpont in NY is set to publish a book next month that claims "living close to wind turbines ... can cause sleep disorders, difficulty with equilibrium, headaches, childhood "night terrors" and other health problems."

Since a doctor makes these claims I guess these health hazards must be real ... not necessarily. Needless to say, the nuclear industry deals with this kind of stuff day in and day out. I wonder how the wind folks will react to these types of claims.

Wind advocates, welcome to a whole new game of PR!

Comments

Matthew66 said…

I'd like to think a medical practitioner knows what she's talking about, but Helen Caldicott springs to mind (I did see the link).

August 14, 2008 at 2:15 PM

Anonymous said…

Expect to see some of the same nuclear advocates who have historically derided Caldicott for not having relevant credentials ("she's just a pediatrician") citing Pierpont as a credible expert on why wind energy is no good.

August 15, 2008 at 1:02 PM

Anonymous said…

The "syndrome" in question consists of a grab-bag of non-specific, patient-reported symptoms. Basically, all of life's little aches, pains and mood swings are included:

"sleep problems (insomnia), headaches, dizziness, unsteadiness, nausea, exhaustion, anxiety, anger, irritability, depression, memory loss, eye problems, problems with concentration and learning, tinnitus (ringing in the ears)."

quoted from Nina Pierpont's own site.

None of these necessarily indicate an underlying medical problem or environmental influence. Barring bang-up pier-reviewed research (which BTW, Pierpont isn't doing on this subject) results, there doesn't appear to be a there there.

August 17, 2008 at 1:31 AM

Anonymous said…

I live close to Bruce Power and several wind projects. We have had no problems living by a nuclear plant, but there are currently four families living in homes powered by generators (supplied by the wind company) due to the problem of stray voltage created by the turbines. A few other people have left their homes due to headaches and the incessant noise. The Ontario noise guidelines are inadequate and families are being exposed to excessive repetitive noise from these projects. There is a very good reason why the setbacks from residences is much greater in Europe.

August 17, 2008 at 5:59 PM

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