A major study completed by health and engineering experts on behalf of the US Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Health has dismissed claims by groups opposing wind developments on the basis of a controversial ailment known as “wind turbine syndrome”.

Previous work conducted by Dr. Nina Pierpont pointed to vibrations and noise from wind turbines as the reason for a multitude of symptoms ranging from headaches and migraines to increased risk of seizures, high blood pressure and hearing impairment. Critics of wind development around the country have pointed to the syndrome as a reason why various large scale wind developments proposed around the US should not be installed.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is validated–although not surprised–by the panel’s findings. “As the report ably demonstrates, wind turbines are safe and the health-related claims of project opponents are unsubstantiated,” said Tom Vinson, Director of Regulatory Affairs for AWEA.

The US study confirmed last month’s similar report from the acting medical officer of the Ontario municipality of Chathan-Kent, Dr. W. David Colby, who also reported that there is no scientific link between wind turbine sound exposure and health problems. That study went on to say that, when wind turbines adhered to Ontario’s noise regulations, there was no direct adverse health effects whatsoever.

Boston Magazine reported that, as a case in point, residents of Cape Cod town Falmouth were among the wind opponents from around the country complaining that nearby wind turbines were causing vertigo, migraines, sleep deprivation, and something referred to as “shadow flicker”.

In that case, the town concluded that the annual income of $11 million from the wind turbines’ operations was a safer bet than acting on residents’ now-debunked health claims.

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