WindVOiCe© fills a void due to the lack of government vigilance and long term surveillance programs regarding the impact of industrial wind turbines on human health. It follows the principles of Health Canada’ Canada Vigilance Programs for self reporting suspected adverse health effects of consumer and prescription products, vaccines and other products.

This is the sixth update of WindVOiCe© health survey results. Reports (9) from jurisdictions other than Ontario are included.

The number of people in Ontario reporting adverse health affects due to industrial wind turbines continues to rise. The first community-based self reporting survey conducted Ontario was made public on April 22, 2009 by Dr. Robert McMurtry at the Standing Committee for the Green Energy Act (Ontario). The new total is now 109 in Ontario which is a disturbing 106% increase from the 53 originally reported.

Researchers and victims report altered living conditions and adverse health effects.

Victims report disturbed living conditions and loss of quality of life and enjoyment of their homes and property, and financial loss due to the negative impact to the health of their families.

Sleep disturbance is the most common health complaint. Some describe the annoyance, stress and sleep disturbance being experienced. Symptoms include inner ear problems, cardiac concerns such as arrhythmias and palpitations, headaches and cognitive and mood disturbances. Several suffered acute hypertensive episodes which are most concerning.

Some have had to leave their homes in order to protect their health. These reports are consistent internationally.

In an American Wind Energy Association and Canadian Wind Energy Association sponsored report it is acknowledged that wind turbine noise may cause annoyance, stress and sleep disturbance which have negative implications regarding health.

The Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health in a memorandum concurred that “…sound produced by wind turbines is sometimes found to be annoying to some people which may result in stress and sleep disturbance.”

Current research demonstrates that annoyance must not be trivialized. Annoyance is acknowledged to be an adverse health effect which contributes to stress, sleep disturbance and an increased risk of regulation diseases. Wind turbine noise is associated with psychological distress, stress, difficulties to fall asleep and sleep interruption.

For more information visit www.windvigilance.com

Comments from the victims are included in this report. They are both revealing and disturbing. No authority or compassionate member of our society can ignore the moving descriptions of the victims’ experiences.

There are unanswered questions about infants, children, and the unborn whose mothers are exposed, family members and workers such as farmers and technicians who live and work in close proximity to the wind turbines.

The newest survey results are a startling cause for concern. More victims continue to come forward. Some victims may be suffering in silence due to non-disclosure agreements in the leasing contracts with wind developers or because of legal actions. Alarm now exists around the world with regard to wind energy technology. Governments should not proceed with further wind development until authoritative regulations based on the best available science are in place. The health and well-being of more people are potentially at risk.

Until 3rd party human research is conducted to determine authoritative guidelines, it is incumbent on governments to invoke the precautionary principle and declare a moratorium regarding the building of more turbines. It is also imperative that where victims are reporting adverse health effects, wind facilities be decommissioned.