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medpundit |
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Tuesday, January 27, 2004Onshore wind farms are a health hazard to people living near them because of the low- frequency noise that they emit, according to new medical studies. Doctors say that the turbines - some of which are taller than Big Ben - can cause headaches and depression among residents living up to a mile away. One survey found that all but one of 14 people living near the Bears Down wind farm at Padstow, Cornwall, where 16 turbines were put up two years ago, had experienced increased numbers of headaches, and 10 said that they had problems sleeping and suffered from anxiety. ...Dr Harry said that low-frequency noise - which was used as an instrument of torture by the Germans during the Second World War because it induced headaches and anxiety attacks - could disturb rest and sleep at even very low levels. "It travels further than audible noise, is ground-borne and is felt through vibrations," she said. "Some people are having to leave their homes to get away from the nuisance. Yet, despite their obvious suffering, little is being done to relieve the situation and they feel that their plight is ignored." I can see how noise could be detrimental to sleep, with the resulting insomnia causing depression, headaches, and anxiety. But, there isn't a lot of hard data in the story. Have to wonder, though, if the noise is that distressing to people, what does it do to nearby wildlife? (Thanks to Iain Murray) posted by Sydney on 1/27/2004 01:44:00 PM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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