South Gippsland
Victoria, Australia

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Report from Dr. David Iser.

As a local General Practitioner and Medical Officer of Health for the district of South Gippsland, it has been brought to my attention that there maybe adverse health affects caused by people living in close proximity to wind farms. A literature review of studies overseas has shown that whilst there are no proven significant adverse health affects of a physical nature, there has certainly been documented cases of annoyance resulting in reduced well being. To my knowledge there has been no other studies done of this subject in Australia. 

It was with this in mind that I distributed 25 questionairres asking about health problems to residents living within one and half to two kilo metres of the Toora Wind Farm. Six weeks later I had received 20 replies and analysed the results. Of the
results I divided the problems between no health problems, mild problems and major problems.

1. No Health Problems - Twelve people reported no health problems whatsover.

2. Mild Problems - Five people reported mild problems. These included sleep
disturbance especially on a quiet night, anxiety, stress and concerns about property
values.

3. Major Problems - Three people reported major health problems including sleep
disturbance, stress and dizziness. These required investigation and medications."

Although the numbers involved are small it does indicate that a significant number of people reported problems. Further studies are required to confirm this, but it does indicate that windfarms may not be completely harmless in regard to the health of people living within two kiloemtres."

STUDY IN THE USA

Dr. Nina Pierpont of Malone, N.Y., testified before the New York State Legislature Energy Committee on March 7. A 68-KB pdf of her testimony is available at aweo.org. Here is an excerpt from Dr Pierpoint.

Three doctors that I know of are studying the Wind Turbine Syndrome: myself, one in England, and one in Australia. We note the same sets of symptoms. The symptoms start when local turbines go into operation and resolve when the turbines are off or when the person is out of the area. The symptoms include:

1. Sleep problems: noise or physical sensations of pulsation or pressure make it hard to go to sleep and cause frequent awakening.

2. Headaches which are increased in frequency or severity.

3. Dizziness, unsteadiness, and nausea.

4. Exhaustion, anxiety, anger, irritability, and depression.

5. Problems with concentration and learning.

6. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Not everyone near turbines has these symptoms. This does not mean people are making them up; it means there are differences among people in susceptibility. These differences are known as risk factors. Defining risk factors and the proportion of people who get symptoms is the role of epidemiologic studies. These studies are under way. Chronic sleep disturbance is the most common symptom. Exhaustion, mood problems, and problems with concentration and learning are natural outcomes of poor sleep.

Sensitivity to low frequency vibration is a risk factor. Contrary to assertions of the wind industry, some people feel disturbing amounts of vibration or pulsation from wind turbines, and can count in their bodies, especially their chests, the beats of the blades passing the towers, even when they can't hear or see them. Sensitivity to low frequency vibration in the body or ears is highly variable in people, and hence poorly understood and the subject of much debate.

Another risk factor is a pre-existing migraine disorder. Migraine is not just a bad headache; it's a complex neurologic phenomenon which affects the visual, hearing, and balance systems, and can even affect motor control and consciousness itself. Many people with migraine disorder have increased sensitivity to noise and to motion -- they get carsick as youngsters, and seasick, and very sick on carnival rides. Migraine-associated vertigo (which is the spinning type of dizziness, often with nausea) is a described medical entity. Migraine occurs in 12% of Americans. It is a common, familial, inherited condition.