{"id":26805,"date":"2013-08-07T17:21:32","date_gmt":"2013-08-07T21:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/static\/?p=26805"},"modified":"2013-08-08T10:01:25","modified_gmt":"2013-08-08T14:01:25","slug":"infrasound-from-wind-turbines-an-overlooked-health-hazard-sweden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/2013\/infrasound-from-wind-turbines-an-overlooked-health-hazard-sweden\/","title":{"rendered":"“Infrasound from wind turbines: An overlooked health hazard” (Clinical report, Sweden)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor’s note<\/em>: \u00a0The following clinical review article, sent to us by Dr. Mauri Johansson, MD, MPH, is from the Swedish medical journal,\u00a0L\u00e4kartidningen<\/a>. \u00a0Unfortunately for us, it is available only in Swedish. \u00a0Fortunately for us, “Google” offers a reasonable translation service<\/a>. \u00a0Behold the result! \u00a0If readers spot mistakes in translation, please contact me and I’ll correct them.<\/p>\n

Notice that the lead author, Dr. Enbom, is not only an MD, PhD, but—this is crucial!—he’s a neuro-otologist. \u00a0A neuro-otologist is a combination “neurologist + otolaryngologist.” \u00a0In plain English, this means that Dr. Enbom’s research and clinical expertise focus on disorders of the inner ear<\/em> (along with the nose & throat). \u00a0Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS) is chiefly a disease of the inner ear, it increasingly appears. \u00a0The good news is, this physician\/scientist (that’s what the PhD is about) has the exact clinical and research credentials to pass judgment on WTS. \u00a0(This separates him from amateurs like Geoff Leventhall, a Brit with a physics PhD, and the Australian “wonder,” Simon Chapman, armed with a sociology PhD. \u00a0Both men see fit to scoff at WTS, despite neither one having the slightest expertise or remotest credential to do so. \u00a0To call this ludicrous is to grossly understate the matter.)<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for a PDF of the original (Swedish).<\/p>\n

\"wts<\/p>\n

“Infrasound from wind turbines: \u00a0An overlooked health hazard<\/a>,”\u00a0L\u00e4kartidningen, vol. 110 (2013), pp. 1388-89.<\/h3>\n

.<\/span>
\n—H\u00e5kan Enbom,\u00a0MD, PhD<\/strong>, Ear\/Nose\/Throat specialist, otoneurology and specialist in dizziness disorders, and\u00a0Inga Malcus Enbom<\/strong>,\u00a0Ear\/Nose\/Throat specialist and specialist in allergy and hypersensitivity reactions. \u00a0Both authors are employed at the City Health ENT, Angelholm. \u00a0Contact: \u00a0inga.malcus@telia.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Abstract<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Infrasound from wind turbines affects the inner ear and is a potential health risk for people with migraine or other type of central sensitization. The authors maintain that the legal framework for the creation of new wind turbines should be revised, taking into account this fact.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

.<\/span>
\nPrevious scientific studies on wind turbines and infrasound have been contradictory. They have therefore not been sufficiently credible when planning a framework for the establishment of wind turbines. In recent years, however, a new insight has emerged on the central sensitization, providing a better understanding of migraine, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes [1, 2] and some cases of tinnitus and dizziness. This understanding is also important for understanding how infrasound from wind turbines can affect health. Several studies have found that living near wind turbines often create severe sleep disturbance and depression. They have also found an increased incidence of dizziness, tinnitus, hyperacusis, headache, increased activation of the autonomic nervous system, etc. [3, 4].<\/p>\n

In addition to the audible sound, which can provide noise damage and be generally disruptive, mentally, spinning wind turbines also produce a vibrant infrasound that affects the inner ear and the central nervous system without damaging the hearing.<\/p>\n

Infrasound is sound with frequencies below 20 Hz, corresponding to wavelengths of 17 meters and above, that is not perceived with normal hearing. This sound, if it is not mitigated substantially, propagates over very long distances. It arises from several sources, such as pulsating flows from chimneys, large eddies (such as wind turbines and large jet engines) and large vibrating surfaces. In scientific studies, infrasound from wind turbines has been measured at levels so low that the sound is not perceived by humans. It has also been determined that infrasound from wind turbines does not give rise to noise damage in the traditional sense [5].<\/p>\n

In general, what has not been taken into account in many of these studies, is that infrasound from wind turbines has a rhythmic pulsing sound, and the pulsating sound pressure affects the inner ear, although no sound is perceived by the individual. The pressure waves propagate into the inner ear fluid-filled cavities, and this “massage effect” affects the sensory cells in the inner ear hearing and organs of balance [6]. Many studies fail to take into account the fact that some people are more sensitive than others to the sensory impact. Some are significantly affected by the pulsating sound pressure while others are not affected by it in a significant way.<\/p>\n

The rhythmic, pumping infrasound from wind turbines stimulates inner ear sensory functions [7, 8]. Such sensory stimulation can occur in people with sensory hypersensitivity, causing symptoms such as unsteadiness, dizziness, headache, concentration difficulties, visual disturbances, and more [9]. \u00a0The problems arise even if the noise level is relatively low, since infrasound constantly affects and rhythmically changes the pressure in the inner ear via the sound paths. The pulsing sound pressure from wind turbines also indirectly activates the autonomic nervous system, causing increased secretion of adrenaline with consequent stress effects, risk of panic anxiety, high blood pressure and heart attacks for people with increased sensory sensitivity.<\/p>\n

Migraine is caused by a genetic central sensory hypersensitivity causing risk for central nervous sensitization. Migraine prevalence is about 30 percent in the general population [10, 11]. In addition there are other causes of central sensitization, which means that more than 30 percent of residents in the vicinity of wind turbines could be, to greater or lesser extent, affected by wind-related “annoyance.” Risk groups include people with migraine disorder or a family history of migraines, people over 50 years of age, people with fibromyalgia and those with a tendency to anxiety and depression [12]. \u00a0Children and adults with ADHD and autism are at risk and could have their symptoms worsened.<\/p>\n

The issue is not noise damage in the traditional sense, but the effect of a constant pulsating sound pressure that constantly changes the pressure in the inner ear and excites sensory organs there. One can liken it to pulsating or flickering lights—many people are not bothered noticeably, while people with sensory hypersensitivity may experience discomfort. Flickering light can even trigger epilepsy. Likewise,constantly pulsating, non-audible infrasound from wind turbines triggers considerable problems in people with central sensory hypersensitivity. These problems can become chronic, debilitating and lead to anxiety and depression and increase the risk of heart attack.<\/p>\n

The current regulatory framework for wind turbines has not taken into account the potential risk to people with central sensory hypersensitivity. Wind turbines are being erected too close to buildings [homes]. The current regulatory framework should be revised with an increased safety distance from buildings [homes] to prevent or reduce the risk of wind-related excess morbidity.<\/p>\n

(Potential ties or conflicts of interest: None declared.)<\/p>\n

.<\/span>
\nReferences<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Woolf CJ. Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain. 2011: 152 (3 Suppl): S2-15.<\/p>\n

2. Aguggia M, Saracco MG, Cavallini M, et al. Sensitization and pain. Neurol Sci. 2013, 34 Suppl 1: S37-40.<\/p>\n

3. Farboud A, Crunk Horn R, Trinidade A. ‘Wind Turbine Syndrome’: fact or fiction? J Laryngol Otol. In 2013, 127 (3) :222-6.<\/p>\n

4. Shepherd D, McBride D, D Welch, et al. Evaluating the impact of wind turbine noise on health-related quality of life. Noise Health. 2011: 13 (54) :333-9.<\/p>\n

5. Work Environment Authority. Noise and noise management. Stockholm: Swedish Work Environment Authority; 2002.<\/p>\n

6. Salt AN, Hullar TE. Responses of the ear to low frequency sounds, infrasound and wind turbines. Hear Res. 2010: 268 (1-2) :12-21.<\/p>\n

7. Todd NP, Rosengren SM, Colebatch JG. Tuning and sensitivity of the human vestibular system to low-frequency vibration. Neurosci Lett. 2008: 444 (1) :36-41.<\/p>\n

8. Enbom, H. Vestibular and somatosensory contribution to postural control [dissertation] Lund: Lund University; 1990.<\/p>\n

9. Lovati C, Mariotti C Giani L, et al. Central sensitization in photophobic and non-photophobic migraineurs: possible role of retinoblastoma nuclear way in the central sensitization process. Neurol Sci. 2013, 34 (Suppl) :133-fifth<\/p>\n

10. Ashina S, Bendtsen L, Ashina M. Pathophysiology of migraine and tension-type headache. Tech Reg Anesth Pain Manag. 2012 (16) :14-8.<\/p>\n

11. Aurora SK, Wilkinson F. The brain is hyperexcitable in migraine. Cephalalgia. 2007: 27:1442-53.<\/p>\n

12. Desmeules YES, Cedraschi C, Rapiti E, et al. Neurophysiologic evidence for a central sensitization in patient with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum. 2003, 48:1420-9.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Editor’s note: \u00a0The following clinical review article, sent to us by Dr. Mauri Johansson, MD, MPH, is from the Swedish medical journal,\u00a0L\u00e4kartidningen. \u00a0Unfortunately for us, it is available only in Swedish. \u00a0Fortunately for us, “Google” offers a reasonable translation service. \u00a0Behold the result! \u00a0If readers spot mistakes in translation, please contact me and I’ll correct them. Notice that the lead author, Dr. Enbom, is not only an MD, PhD, but—this is crucial!—he’s a neuro-otologist. \u00a0A neuro-otologist is a combination “neurologist + otolaryngologist.” \u00a0In plain English, this means that Dr. Enbom’s research and clinical expertise focus on disorders of the inner ear (along with the nose & throat). \u00a0Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS) is chiefly a disease of the inner ear, it increasingly appears. \u00a0The good news is, this physician\/scientist (that’s what the PhD is about) has the exact clinical and research credentials to pass judgment on WTS. \u00a0(This separates him from amateurs like Geoff Leventhall, a Brit with a physics PhD, and the Australian “wonder,” Simon Chapman, armed with a sociology PhD. \u00a0Both men see fit to scoff at WTS, despite neither one having the slightest expertise or remotest credential to do so. \u00a0To call this ludicrous is to grossly understate the matter.) Click here for a PDF of the original (Swedish). “Infrasound from wind turbines: \u00a0An overlooked health hazard,”\u00a0L\u00e4kartidningen, vol. 110 (2013), pp. 1388-89. . —H\u00e5kan Enbom,\u00a0MD, PhD, Ear\/Nose\/Throat specialist, otoneurology and specialist in dizziness disorders, and\u00a0Inga Malcus Enbom,\u00a0Ear\/Nose\/Throat specialist and specialist in allergy and hypersensitivity reactions. \u00a0Both authors are employed at the City Health ENT, Angelholm. \u00a0Contact: \u00a0inga.malcus@telia.com Abstract: Infrasound from wind turbines affects the inner ear and is a potential health risk for people with migraine or other type of central sensitization. The authors maintain that the legal framework for the creation of new wind turbines should beRead More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[157,163,16],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26805"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26805"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26805\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26805"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26805"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.windturbinesyndrome.com\/static\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26805"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}