Wind turbine syndrome
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==Actual research== | ==Actual research== | ||
| − | Indeed, research ''has'' been done into the effect that wind turbines can have | + | Indeed, research ''has'' been done into the effect that wind turbines can have on people. Acoustic engineers measure the output from turbines and have reported them to be within acceptable limits. A non-systematic study of the literature into the health effects of turbines was conducted and revealed that there were no side effects beyond "annoyance", something that in itself is not a physiological or psychological illness. A review of this study was made on the UK's NHS website, stating that more thorough studies need to be done to assess the effects of turbines.<ref>[http://www.nhs.uk/news/2010/01January/Pages/Wind-turbine-sound-and-health.aspx NHS Choices - Wind turbine sound ‘needs research’]</ref> However, as the current research stands, WTS probably does not exist outside the realms of the [[nocebo]] effect. |
==Footnotes== | ==Footnotes== | ||
Revision as of 22:53, 20 January 2011
Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS) is an alleged condition suffered by people living close to wind turbines. It was identified by Dr Nina Pierpont in 2009.
Contents |
Symptoms
The symptoms of WTS are claimed to be "internal pulsation, quivering, nervousness, fear, a compulsion to flee, chest tightness and tachycardia – increased heart rate" according to an early report in The Independent.[1] However, these symptoms are extremely common in most hypochondriacs.
Evidence
Despite a book, and a website dedicated to trying to sell the book,[2] "Wind Turbine Syndrome", the research that claims to have identified it is not published in any peer reviewed papers, therefore without buying the book, it is impossible to thoroughly review the evidence gathered.[3] From what can be deduced, the evidence presented by Pierpont is a series of case-studies - and a small number at that, being only a series of 38 people. Participants in Dr Pierpont's research were asked about their symptoms before they were exposed to wind turbines as a control study. As anyone with any knowledge of appraising research should know, this was certainly not a good control, especially considering that many of the participants were already convinced that wind turbines caused their symptoms.[4] Although the website claims that the book has gone under a form of "peer review" (while similarly downplaying its importance) the reviews given read more like simple book reviews than professional appraisals of the evidence given.[5]
Pierpont and her supporters claim that wind turbines generate low levels of noise that can induce illness. They also assert that conventional sound engineers deny that sounds outside the hearing range of humans is harmful - something that is outright wrong as it is well-known that infrasound (frequencies lower than 20 Hz) can cause feelings of unwellness. This effect has been documented with artificial sound and that produced by natural events.[6]
Actual research
Indeed, research has been done into the effect that wind turbines can have on people. Acoustic engineers measure the output from turbines and have reported them to be within acceptable limits. A non-systematic study of the literature into the health effects of turbines was conducted and revealed that there were no side effects beyond "annoyance", something that in itself is not a physiological or psychological illness. A review of this study was made on the UK's NHS website, stating that more thorough studies need to be done to assess the effects of turbines.[7] However, as the current research stands, WTS probably does not exist outside the realms of the nocebo effect.
Footnotes
- ↑ The Independent - Are wind farms a health risk? US scientist identifies 'wind turbine syndrome'
- ↑ http://www.windturbinesyndrome.com/
- ↑ A search for "Wind Turbine Syndrome" on both PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge yields precisely 0 results. Similar searches for "Pierpont" reveal no publications reporting any relevant studies
- ↑ NHS.co.uk - Are wind farms a health risk?
- ↑ WTS.com - Peer review
- ↑ John D Cody - Infrasound
- ↑ NHS Choices - Wind turbine sound ‘needs research’