Should limit values be set for infrasound caused by wind turbines?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Acoustics
• Occupational Medicine

Background:

• Most countries lack specific outdoor exposure limits for wind turbine infrasound.
• Existing literature on infrasound effects and measurement methods was reviewed.
• Human infrasound perception is linked to the hearing threshold, which requires standardization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish scientifically-based outdoor exposure limits for wind turbine infrasound.
• To propose standardized metrics for assessing infrasound exposure from wind turbines.
• To ensure public health and comfort in proximity to wind energy facilities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on infrasound effects and global assessment methods.
• Utilized the G96 curve to define the mean hearing threshold for infrasound (1-20 Hz).
• Proposed G-weighted equivalent SPL (L_Geq) as the primary assessment metric, including short-term and long-term indices.

Main Results:

• Infrasound levels near wind farms are typically below established hearing thresholds.
• Provisional acceptable limits set at 90 dB for L_{Geq, D} and L_DEN(G), and 85 dB for L_{Geq, N} and L_N(G).
• These proposed limits aim to mitigate annoyance and potential adverse health effects.

Conclusions:

• Specific outdoor exposure limits for wind turbine infrasound are crucial for public well-being.
• The G-weighted SPL provides a viable basis for setting and assessing infrasound exposure.
• Further standardization and adoption of these limits are recommended for areas with wind turbines.