Analysis of noise generated by wind turbines with reference to other low frequency noise sources and their possible impact on human health.

Abstract

Objectives: A problem currently faced in the assessment of human exposure to the external environment concerns sources of noise with significant energy found in the range of infrasound and low sound frequencies. This paper presents an analysis of selected low-frequency noise (LFN) sources in order to demonstrate the problem of the potential exposure of humans residing in their vicinity. There are numerous machines in industry that emit LFN, including infrasound, such as ventilation systems, industrial fans, air and exhaust transfer systems, means of transport and other objects that generate secondary noise, such as acoustic screens. How wind turbine noise differs from noise generated by other sources is a key question.

Material and methods: There are different measurement approaches concerned with noise monitoring in outdoor environment. For different reasons the measurements are performed at different heights: 4.0 m, 1.5 m, on the ground surface and others. In order to properly identify low frequency noise sources apart from measurement systems for registering sound signals vibration methods might be utilized.

Results: Various types of low-frequency and infrasound noise sources were analyzed in this paper in order to verify the hypothesis concerning the different character of LFN generated by wind turbines. They do not constitute sound sources that generate LFN of higher levels than other sources of this type.

Conclusions: The performed measurements and their analysis revealed that sources of low-frequency and infrasound noise can be found in the vicinity of residential areas, and the residents themselves are unaware of them and consequently do not report the inconvenience related to their emission. Wind turbines are perceived unfavorably by a part of society not only due to their noise, analyzed levels were well below ISO 226 and Møller and Pedersen thresholds, but probably because of other negative aspects such as shadow flicker, modulation or reasons of aesthetics. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(2).