In response to a proposed national study by Health Canada on wind turbine sound and human health, the European, American, Canadian and global wind energy industry associations have issued a statement pointing to 17 reviews of independent research and evidence that all conclude wind farms are not harmful to human health.
According to the wind associations, wind energy is regarded as one of the safest forms of electricity generation. As evidence, the groups cite the 237.6 GW of wind energy capacity installed globally at the end of last year.
‘As a responsible industry that has been delivering clean electricity for more than 30 years, we collectively continue to engage with experts in science, medicine, and occupational and environmental health to monitor ongoing credible research in the area of wind turbines and human health,’ write the American Wind Energy Association, the Canadian Wind Energy Association, the European Wind Energy Association and the Global Wind Energy Council. ‘While Health Canada's proposed new study may contribute to the significant knowledge base on this topic, the balance of scientific evidence and human experience to date clearly concludes that wind turbines are not harmful to humans,’ the groups add.
The wind groups say the entire wind industry supports responsible engagement with communities and stakeholders to ensure questions are answered in a timely and appropriate manner.
