Second International Meeting on Wind Turbine Noise Lyon France September 20 –21 2007 In-Home Wind Turbine Noise Is Conducive to Vibroacoustic Disease

Introduction. This team has systematically studied the effects of infrasound and low frequency noise (ILFN, <500 Hz) in human and animal models since 1980. Recently, yet another source of ILFN has appeared: wind turbines (WT). Like many other ILFNgenerating devices, WT can greatly benefit humankind if, and only if, responsible measures are taken for their implementation. Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) is the pathology that is acquired with repeated exposures to ILFN environments (occupational, residential or recreational). This has been demonstrated in numerous scientific articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals over the past 27 years. Goal. To evaluate if ILFN levels obtained in a home near WT are conducive to VAD. Methods. Case 1: documented in 2004, in-home ILFN levels generated by a port grain terminal (GT), 2 adults and a 10-year-old child diagnosed with VAD. Case 2: isolated farm in agricultural area, four 2MW WT that began operation in Nov 2006, located between 300 m and 700 m from the residential building, 3 adults and 2 children (8 and 12-years-old). ILFN levels of Case 2 were compared to those in Case 1. In both, ILFN was assessed in 1/3 octave bands, without A-weighting, (i.e. in dB Linear). In Case 1, the lower limiting frequency was 6.3 Hz, while in Case 2, it was 1 Hz. Results. ILFN levels within the 6.3-31.5 Hz range in the home of Case 2 were higher than those obtained in the home of Case 1. Above, 31.5 Hz, levels varied but were comparable. Discussion. ILFN levels contaminating the home of Case 2 are sufficient to cause VAD. This family has already received standard diagnostic tests to monitor clinical evolution of VAD. Safe distances between WT and residences have not yet been scientifically established, despite statements by other authors claiming to possess this knowledge. Acceptance, as fact, of statements or assertions not supported by valid scientific data, defeats all principles on which true scientific endeavor is founded. Widespread statements claiming no harm is caused by in-home ILFN produced by WT rotating blades are fallacies that cannot, in good conscience, continue to be perpetuated. In-home ILFN generated by WT blades can lead to severe health problems, specifically, VAD. Real and efficient zoning for WT must be scientifically determined, and quickly adopted, in order to competently and responsibly protect Public Health. Initial Disclaimer The authors and the research team they represent would like to clarify that: a) No member of this team is party to anti-technology sentiments; b) Large industrial plants, such as grain terminals, as well as alternative forms of renewable energy, such as wind turbines, are considered welcome additions to modern technological society by all members of this team; c) The data reported herein have been scrutinized under one, and only one, agenda that of pure scientific inquiry; d) In no way can or should this report be construed as a document arguing against the implementation of wind turbines and/or grain terminals; e) No member of this research team is employed by the firm that conducted the acoustical measurements reported in this article, nor are there any commercial, financial or professional agreements (contractual or otherwise) between the aforementioned accredited firm and any member of this team; f) The consulting activities provided by these authors to Family R are of a purely academic and scientific nature and hence are pro bono. Introduction In March of 2007, this team was contacted by an attorney-at-law representing the R. Family, in a case involving the placement of 4, 2 MW wind turbines (WT) near family R. ’s property. Located between 321.8m and 642.0m from the residential building (Figs. 1, 2), the 4 WT became operational in November 2006. Two days later the R. family contacted a lawyer to begin court proceedings in order to have the WT removed. Figure 1. Aerial view of the WT home of Family R. , isolated on upper left (dashed square) with the four wind turbines nearby (ovals). Figure 2. WT home with the two of the turbines (arrows) at approximately 322m and 642m from the home. In order for acoustical assessments to be accepted as legal documents, they must be performed by an accredited firm. In February 2007, the R. Family hired such a firm– dBLab (1) to conduct continuous, 12-day, acoustical, wind speed, and vibration measurements. Although Portuguese noise legislation (D.L. 9/2007, January 17th) does not require acoustical evaluations of frequencies below 50Hz, nor dB Linear (dBL) measurements (without the A-weighting network), the accredited firm was additionally asked to obtain data for the entire frequency spectra, down to the lowest limiting frequency of the equipment in use, in 1/3 octave bands and in dBL. Data ~~ ••••••• ':; . t • : . _. ~,~ ~ ---,-■ .