Some people have criticized wind turbines for allegedly creating severe health problems. However, a recent Polish research study has demonstrates that “wind turbine syndrome” does not have any scientific basis.
The research team from Adam Mickiewicz University discovered no evidence that wind farm noise is more stressful than road traffic. The so called perceived syndrome stems from social contagion which is fueled by misinformation campaigns. In essence, they argued that people are influenced by false narratives rather than actual acoustic effects.
Specifically, the study evaluated participants exposed to windmill sounds. Researchers found that even individuals predisposed to negative thinking showed no cognitive changes when subjected to these sounds in a controlled setting.
The research team tested their hypothesis by selecting 45 university students composed of 30 women and 15 men who were aged between 18-25.This age group was chosen because research has shown that younger persons tend to be more sensitivity to noise.
The research participants received no information regarding the study objectives or the sound stimuli they would encounter. They then played wind turbine sounds along with traffic noise or silence to the participants. Interestingly, those who heard wind turbine sounds could not distinguish them from generic white noise.
Previous research has already discredited the wind turbine syndrome theory. Multiple studies demonstrate that the connection between wind turbines and sickness has no scientific merit. The Polish research team claims that misinformation has created unnecessary concerns regarding wind energy.
While some continue to promote these myths. The study underscores the importance of separating fact from fiction, especially in discussions about renewable energy.
Reference- Journal Nature, Futurism, National Geographic