Health problems near wind turbines: A nationwide epidemiological study based on primary healthcare data

Abstract

Epidemiological research on the association between wind turbines (WTs) and adverse health effects remains limited. This study integrated data from electronic health records from general practitioners with geospatial data on WT locations and noise emissions. Spanning a decade (2012–2021) and a yearly sample of 350,000 to 560,000 individuals living within 5 km of WTs, it investigated a broad range of health symptoms and conditions diagnosed in primary care, as well as medication prescriptions. Multilevel regression analyses generally indicated a lack of consistent and significant associations between distance (0–500, 500–1000 and 1000–2000 m) to WTs and prevalence of health problems, accounting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. While the prevalence of certain symptoms such as tension headache and depressive feelings increased within 500 m from WTs in later years, results were not statistically significant. Higher average noise levels (above 42 dB Lden) were associated with increased painkiller prescriptions in the most recent years. Only a small part of the sample lived within 500 m from WTs and was exposed to higher noise levels – a methodological challenge inherent to this topic. In light of the expanding deployment of WTs, more comprehensive epidemiological studies are necessary, combining objective morbidity data with self-reported symptoms, using the largest feasible samples near WTs. Refining exposure assessment with precise geospatial data at the individual level, incorporating information on sound characteristics such as amplitude modulation, and thoroughly controlling for relevant confounding and moderating variables are critical aspects that need to be considered in future research endeavors.