Wind turbines could pose potential health risks by Great Lakes Echo
Wind turines are popping up in Michigan, like this one in Pigeon. The state’s manufacturers want to build them there, too. Photo: ~JettaGirl~ via Flickr
In an effort to increase the U.S.’s renewable energy portfolio, the wind industry has grown tremendously. Michigan is now home to just under 700 turbines, but not everyone is happy about the growing wind farm industry.
There have been many complaints about wind turbines, including shadow flicker, decreasing property value, noise and endangering wildlife. Some people who reside near wind farms claim that the turbines are making them ill.
Jerry Punch is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at MSU. As an audiologist, he’s also been called upon as a witness in several disputes over wind turbines.
Punch explains that wind turbines do produce infrasound, a low frequency sound below the normal limits of human hearing. The ear can process this sound, even though its not audible, causing sensations like pressure or dizziness