UW doctor: No evidence that wind turbines cause health problems
From a presentation to the Public Service Commission Wind Siting Council by Jevon D. McFadden, MD, MPH:
Self-reported physiological reactions correlated with psychological reactions – expectation of increase in noise can lead to increased self-reported symptoms, even in the absence of actual increases in noise
No indication that sound from wind turbines had an effect on self-reported health [impacts], except sleep at around levels >45 dBA (Van den Berg, 2008)
General Conclusions
Evidence does not support the conclusion that wind turbines cause or are associated with adverse health outcomes
Current evidence is not compelling enough to invoke the precautionary principle
Gaps remain in our knowledge of the impact that wind energy may have on human health
Defined broadly enough, “health effects” would include most of the human experience
Annoyance is not a disease
Recommendations
Encourage concerned individuals to report symptoms or illness to a healthcare provider
Encourage health officials to continue to assess new evidence as it becomes available
Recommend involving affected individuals in siting process
Dr. McFadden lists the following affiliations at the beginning of his presentation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention —Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
United States Public Health Service — Lieutenant Commander
Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health
University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Population Health Sciences —Adjunct Assistant Professor
