Wind turbines get clean bill of health - again

An independent study released today should put to rest claims that wind farms can make people sick, according to Australia’s peak clean energy body.

The study, by the National Health and Medical Research Council, found no evidence that wind turbines had a direct effect on people’s health.

Clean Energy Council Policy Director Russell Marsh said that more than 100,000 turbines had been installed across the world in over three decades, delivering clean power to millions of homes in more than 80 countries.

“There have been claims over the last couple of years from opponents of wind farms that noise and other factors associated with wind turbines can make people sick,” Marsh said.

“As this latest independent research has shown, there is no credible evidence that wind turbines have a direct effect on people’s health.

“The study is consistent with a statement several months ago from Victoria’s Chief Medical Officer Dr John Carnie, other international studies and acoustic research which repeatedly show wind turbines do not produce enough noise to directly affect humans,” he said.

The NHMRC review of the scientific literature found support for the statement: “There are no direct pathological effects from wind farms and that any potential impact on humans can be minimised by following existing planning guidelines.”

Marsh said the federal government, the Coalition and the Greens have supported a commitment to delivering 20% of our electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade.

“Wind energy will be a key part of this clean energy revolution. A recent Newspoll conducted by the Clean Energy Council found that approximately 90% of Australians want to see more renewable energy.

“Wind turbines are quiet and make about as much noise as a kitchen refrigerator from 500 metres away. If people find the noise is bothering them, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the levels of sound in their homes. However, it’s worth noting that Australia has some of the most stringent noise standards in the world.

“We welcome more research in this area, but the current evidence reflects that wind turbines are the safest and cleanest way of generating electricity,” he said.