Health effects of wind turbine noise and road traffic noise on people living near wind turbines. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Radun, Jenni; Maula, Henna; Saarinen, Pekka; Keränen, Jukka; Alakoivu, Reijo; Hongisto, Valtteri
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 157(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Wind turbine noise -- Road traffic noise -- Health effects -- Annoyance -- Noise exposure measurements -- Case-control study; %A percentage of respondents reporting noise annoyance -- ANOVA analysis of variance -- CI 95% confidence interval -- Ctrl Control area -- Exp(B) exponentiated logistic coefficient -- FPRC The Finnish Population Register Centre -- LAeq, WT wind turbine sound level -- LAeq, 07-22, RT, road traffic sound level during the day -- LAeq, 22-07, RT, road traffic sound level during the night -- RTN road traffic noise -- RTSL road traffic sound level -- SD standard deviation -- SPL sound pressure level -- SWL sound power level -- WHO World Health Organization -- WT area wind turbine area -- WTN wind turbine noise -- WTSL wind turbine sound level. -- WT syndrome wind turbine syndrome -- % percentage -- %SleepD percentage of respondents reporting sleep difficulties; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.112040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: Very few surveys have investigated the health effects of both wind farms and road traffic so that the public health effects of environmental stressors are broadly understood. This case-control study examined the influences of both wind turbine noise and road traffic noise on self-reported symptoms and diseases close to wind turbines and in a control area. Wind turbine sound levels 17–39 dB L Aeq met new national regulation (40 dB). Daytime road traffic noise levels were 32.5–63.5 dB, sometimes exceeding the regulation (55 dB). Altogether 676 residents responded to a masked living environment questionnaire. Higher wind turbine sound level was only associated with more likely reporting wind turbine noise annoyance and not with reporting of other symptoms or chronic diseases. On the other hand, higher road traffic sound level was associated with increased odds for road traffic noise annoyance, migraine or headache, dizziness, impaired hearing, pressure in ears, tachycardia or heart palpitations, and heart disease. Road traffic exposure seems to deserve attention especially if daytime levels exceed 55 dB. The health effects of wind farms seem to be limited to noise annoyance in areas where all residents are exposed to sound levels under 40 dB. Highlights: The health effects of both wind turbine noise and road traffic noise were examined. The survey involved a group living close to turbines and a control group far away. Wind turbine noise level was only associated with higher noise annoyance. Road traffic noise level was related both to annoyance and various health effects. Road traffic noise can be larger health risk in wind turbine areas than turbines.