“Wind Turbine Syndrome”, or “Wind Sickness” has been reported by some residents who LIVE near wind energy projects in Ontario but who do not own shares in the projects, and MAY include SYMPTOMS such as loss of sleep, headaches, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and further symptoms resulting from sleep loss (eg: reduced memory, difficulty concentrating, diminished spatial memory or ability to think critically and problem solve).

These and other symptoms may multiply when third parties advise of their possibility (ie: the ‘NOCEBO’ effect), are typical of stress and anxiety related disorders which may be triggered by any number of unwanted experiences, and are common among people who feel that they have been disrespected or mistreated.

The reality is that there is no such thing as “Wind Turbine Syndrome”, but there are many stress and anxiety disorders. Wind turbines do not make people sick, but badly managed projects and anti-wind activists can cause stress to the neighbours. Residents should be wary of placing too much confidence in the accusations raised by anti-wind activists, and developers should be expected to respect local residents and address their concerns during the course of a project. This is why the Ontario government has placed requirements on wind energy projects that they have a certain number of public meetings whereat they present information and gather public feedback prior to proceeding with CONSTRUCTION.

Interestingly, people who own their own turbines or who own shares in a shared community project have never complained about stress or anxiety related symptoms such as these.

“Wind Turbine Syndrome”, or “Wind Sickness” has been reported by some residents who live near wind energy projects in Ontario but who do not own shares in the projects, and may include symptoms such as loss of sleep, headaches, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and further symptoms resulting from sleep loss (eg: reduced memory, difficulty concentrating, diminished spatial memory or ability to think critically and problem solve).

These and other symptoms may multiply when third parties advise of their possibility (ie: the ‘nocebo’ effect), are typical of stress and anxiety related disorders which may be triggered by any number of unwanted experiences, and are common among people who feel that they have been disrespected or mistreated.

The reality is that there is no such thing as “Wind Turbine Syndrome”, but there are many stress and anxiety disorders. Wind turbines do not make people sick, but badly managed projects and anti-wind activists can cause stress to the neighbours. Residents should be wary of placing too much confidence in the accusations raised by anti-wind activists, and developers should be expected to respect local residents and address their concerns during the course of a project. This is why the Ontario government has placed requirements on wind energy projects that they have a certain number of public meetings whereat they present information and gather public feedback prior to proceeding with construction.

Interestingly, people who own their own turbines or who own shares in a shared community project have never complained about stress or anxiety related symptoms such as these.