London: Wind power is considered the most
promising alternative source of energy. But British experts
have now claimed that the noise caused by wind turbines can
make some people ill.
According to the study by a panel of independent experts
the "swishing sound caused by turbines can annoy" some people,
causing sleep deprivation and even mental health problems. "The number of people who suffer these extreme effects
are small and if the turbines are designed properly the
effects are minimised even further," Dr Leventhall added. "The number of people who suffer these extreme effects
are small and if the turbines are designed properly the
effects are minimised even further," Dr Leventhall added.
Wind farms, which provide around 2.5 per cent of the
country`s electricity, have traditionally been seen by
protesters as a blot on the British countryside. Now they have
come up with the allegation that their noise may make people
ill.
But the wind industry said if wind turbines were harmful,
it would be impossible to live in a city given the sound
levels normally present in urban environments.
"The findings of the study tally with UK research on the
subject. In 2007 a Government-backed study carried out by the
University of Sal ford found that only one wind farm in the UK
was ever found to present a noise nuisance to residents and
the issue has since been resolved," said a spokesman for the
British Wind Energy Association.
There are currently more than 2,500 turbines in Britain
and it is planning to build up to 6,000 new wind turbines over
the next ten years.
PTI
