Wind Turbine Syndrome & The Safety of Wind Energy
Evaluating the Safety of Wind Energy
Wind energy is an effective form of renewable energy that has been used across the globe for thousands of years. While it started as small windmills that powered individual homes and farms, wind energy is now being used on an industrial scale. Wind turbines reaching heights of more than 300 feet can power entire neighborhoods. And all of this is done without creating harmful greenhouse gases or other environmental issues.
But in more recent years as turbines have become more advanced, we’ve heard more complaints and concerns about their usage. One concern has been whether wind turbines are safe for those who spend time near them. This brings up the phenomenon called “wind turbine syndrome” and whether it’s a valid concern.
What’s the deal with “wind turbine syndrome”?
Wind turbine syndrome, also known as wind farm syndrome, is a disorder associated with wind turbines. Across the globe, people have been claiming that exposure to wind turbines has made them sick. Alleged symptoms include everything from increased agitation to heart palpitations to cancer to death. So is there any truth to these claims? Let’s see what the experts have to say.
What the Experts Say on Wind Energy
In 2009, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) & Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) released an 85-page report on the health effects of wind turbines and wind energy. In this report, they concluded that the biggest risk factor to humans from exposure to wind turbines is annoyance or anxiousness. In other words, “wind turbine syndrome” is a result of people being annoyed or anxious by the presence of wind turbines.
This means that wind turbine syndrome can be classified as a psychosomatic disorder. Psychosomatic disorders are diseases that have to do with the mind and the body at the same time. They are either caused or made worse by mental factors. So when someone is annoyed by a wind turbine near their home or anxious about how it works, they can actually become physically ill. And when the physical symptoms start, it often makes them more annoyed or anxious, leading to even more physical symptoms.
It’s the same phenomenon that happens when you get overly stressed out. If you’ve ever lost sleep, gotten a headache, or felt sick to your stomach during a stressful time, this is because stress is psychosomatic. While stress is a mental condition, it can get so bad that it manifests itself in physical forms.
Wind energy is safe energy!
To sum it up, wind energy is clean, green, and safe! While wind turbines may be annoying or cause stress to some, they’re not going to make you sick—unless you let them bug you!
Get more information on wind energy!
At Star Energy Partners, we are always available to answer your questions on wind energy and any other forms of renewable energy. Contact us to find out how you can save money on your energy bill and help the planet at the same time.
