ABSTRACT

Amid sustainable agendas, renewable energy sources play a strong role, especially wind energy. However, the implementation of wind farms produces transformations in communities, causing impacts in different areas and vulnerability processes. The study aims to problematize the reports of the peasant population regarding the processes of vulnerability in the area of influence of the implementation of wind farms in a municipality in Pernambuco. This is an observational, descriptive research with a qualitative approach, carried out in a peasant community, located in the municipality of Caetés, Pernambuco, Brazil. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was based on the content analysis technique in the thematic modality. It was observed that the arrival and operation of the wind turbines coincided with the emergence of signs and symptoms, such as hearing and skin problems, anxiety, dizziness and headache. This situation allows us to consider a probable connection between the impacts caused by wind towers, already described in the literature, and those present in the participants’ reports. Prudence is necessary when planning and building wind farms, since such health problems can be temporary or permanent, leading the local community to constant suffering.

KEYWORDS
Wind energy; Health vulnerability; Health of the rural population; Health disease process.

Introduction

Amid sustainable agendas and responses to the water consequences of energy crises, renewable energy sources play a strong role. Among the types of renewable energy available, wind energy stands out, being defined as the kinetic energy present in the movement of air masses (wind)^{11 Farias ARB, Antônio M, Bezerra A, et al. Saúde mental e implantação de parques eólicos: um estudo de caso no semiárido brasileiro. RESMA [Internet]. 2021 [acesso em 2022 ago 18];12(1):154-166. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufms.br/index.php/sameamb/article/view/12239
https://periodicos.ufms.br/index.php/sam...} .

The energy generated from the wind, since the beginning of civilization, has been used by man to move various devices, being used, for example, in the processing of grains and in pumping water, directly favoring the advancement of agriculture and countless other activities^{22 Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (BR). Atlas de energia elétrica do Brasil. 2. ed. Brasília: ANEEL; 2005.}.

The implementation and operation of large projects, such as those related to wind energy, generally occur in traditional communities, such as peasant communities, and invariably generate tensions^{33 Porto MF, Finamore R, Ferreira H. Injustiças da sustentabilidade: conflitos ambientais relacionados à produção de energia “limpa” no Brasil. RCCS. 2013;100(1):73-100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4000/rccs.5217
https://doi.org/10.4000/rccs.5217...} . Even though there are benefits and great public acceptance of wind energy, systems to be put into operation are likely to generate undesirable changes, causing opposition from the community or local groups to the implementation and operation of wind projects^{44 Silva LS, Abrantes RCC. Análise dos ruídos gerados por aerogeradores no complexo eólico Canoas e Lagoas. In: Anais do 18º Enanpur; 2019; Natal. Natal: Enanpur; 2019. p. 1-16.}.

The implementation of wind farms produces transformations in communities, such as deforestation, audible noise from engines and from the wind hitting the turbine blades, interference with fauna and migratory bird routes, visual impacts and electromagnetic interference^{55 Alves SG, Reis Neto AF, Barros Jr AP. Parques eólicos: a “sujidade” da energia limpa em Acaraú e Canoa Quebrada-CE [Internet]. REDE. 2019 [acesso em 2022 set 20];13(2):72-87. Disponível em: http://www.revistarede.ufc.br/rede/article/view/373/196
http://www.revistarede.ufc.br/rede/artic...} . Generators produce various noises, which can cause discomfort and changes in people’s quality of life, affecting concentration, communication and sleep, as well as damaging the functions of the auditory system and harming the physical, physiological and mental activity of the exposed individual<sup>66 Lima SA. Estudo de medição e análise do ruído de aerogeradores de grande porte no estado do Ceará [dissertação na Internet]. Fortaleza: Universidade Federal do Ceará; 2015 [acesso em 2022 jan 31]. 96 p. Disponível em: https://repositorio.ufc.br/bitstream/riufc/14730/1/2015_dis_salima.pdf
https://repositorio.ufc.br/bitstream/riu...

7 Santos DCJV. Paisagem sonora: uma ferramenta para saúde pública - versão revisada [tese na Internet]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Saúde Pública; 2020 [acesso em 2022 ago 22]. 101 p. Disponível em: https://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/6/6132/tde-09032020-095914/publico/SantosDCLJV_DR_R.pdf
https://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponive... -88 Almeida JWB. Energia eólica no Brasil e no mundo [monografia na Internet]. Sumaré: Anhanguera; 2019 [acesso em 2023 maio 9]. 27 p. Disponível em: https://repositorio.pgsskroton.com/bitstream/123456789/25646/1/TCC+.pdf
https://repositorio.pgsskroton.com/bitst...</sup> .

Among the states that make up the Northeast region, Pernambuco has potential for generating wind energy, which has attracted large investments to the state for the installation of companies in the wind sector. Currently, 60% of the wind energy distributed across the Northeast comes from wind farms located in Pernambuco^{11 Farias ARB, Antônio M, Bezerra A, et al. Saúde mental e implantação de parques eólicos: um estudo de caso no semiárido brasileiro. RESMA [Internet]. 2021 [acesso em 2022 ago 18];12(1):154-166. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufms.br/index.php/sameamb/article/view/12239
https://periodicos.ufms.br/index.php/sam...} .

The state has 18 municipalities with potential for exploiting wind energy, with 35 wind complexes installed on its soil by 2022^{99 Associação Brasileira de Energia Eólica. Boletim anual de geração de energia 2022 [Internet]. Bela vista, SP: Abeeólica; 2022 [acesso em 2023 nov 27]. Disponível em: https://abeeolica.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Boletim-de-Geracao-Eolica-2022.pdf
https://abeeolica.org.br/wp-content/uplo...} . In 2023, large companies in the wind sector were present in the Sertão and Agreste of Pernambuco. The municipality of Caetés, specifically, has seven wind farms, representing 1.3% of the wind energy generation capacity that the entire state has. Together with the cities of Pedra and Paranatama, Caetés makes up the Ventos de Santa Brígida complex^{22 Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (BR). Atlas de energia elétrica do Brasil. 2. ed. Brasília: ANEEL; 2005.,99 Associação Brasileira de Energia Eólica. Boletim anual de geração de energia 2022 [Internet]. Bela vista, SP: Abeeólica; 2022 [acesso em 2023 nov 27]. Disponível em: https://abeeolica.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Boletim-de-Geracao-Eolica-2022.pdf
https://abeeolica.org.br/wp-content/uplo...} .

Initially, wind farms brought great expectations to the residents of Caetés who trusted in the announced benefits, involving employment and income, contributing to the development of the municipality. After implementation began, the first adverse effects of the project in the region were observed, especially on the health of peasants. Thus, the study aims to problematize the reports of the peasant population regarding the processes of vulnerability in the area of influence of the implementation of wind farms in the municipality of Caetés.

Material and methods

This is an observational, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, which refers to a tool for capturing subjective data related to the universe of meanings, relationships, representations, motives, aspirations, beliefs, perceptions, values and attitudes^{1010 Minayo MCS. O desafio do conhecimento: pesquisa qualitativa em saúde. 14. ed. São Paulo: Hucitec; 2014.}.

The research was carried out in a peasant community, called Sítio Sobradinho, located in the municipality of Caetés, in the Agreste of Pernambuco, Brazil. This community was chosen because it is affected daily by the impacts of wind towers installed in the region.

The study population was made up of community and association leaders, representatives of social movements and the Rural Workers Union (STR) and peasant residents of the study site, over 18 years of age and who had lived there for more than a year. The participants were chosen intentionally and by saturation. In the end, seven people took part in the study.

The research was developed respecting all the parameters described in Resolution No. 510/16 of the National Research Ethics Commission (CONEP), which defines ethical issues in research in the area of human and social sciences. The research was evaluated by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) of the University of Pernambuco, Multicampi Garanhuns, prepared by the Certificate of Presentation of Ethical Appreciation - CAAE nº 63459522.6.0000.0128 and approved by the CEP based on opinion nº 5.912.044. The study did not have any kind of financial support, being entirely financed by the authors.

When conducting the interviews, the main researcher presented the objectives of the research, explained the risks and benefits of the interviewee’s participation in the study and guaranteed anonymity, only after authorization was requested to record the interview on an audio device. After acceptance to participate in the study, before the start of the interview, the signing of the Free and Informed Consent Form (TCLE) was requested, with a copy being given to the interviewee.

For data collection, interviews were carried out using a previously established script, with open and closed questions. The instrument was organized into two parts, the first being composed of sociodemographic and economic data, and the second consisting of guiding questions: ‘Did you notice changes in your sleep, difficulty concentrating, nausea or other sign or symptom after the arrival of the wind towers?’; ‘Any health problems diagnosed after the period of implementation of the wind towers?’; ‘Do the noises arising from the operation of wind towers cause any sensations in your body?’; ‘Does the movement of the tower blades cause you any discomfort?’.

The interviews were previously scheduled with the participants, carried out cautiously to avoid interference. These were recorded on an audio device and later transcribed in full into a Microsoft Word® file.

Data analysis occurred using the content analysis technique in the thematic modality, which aims to analyze what was said during an investigation, forming and presenting conceptions around an object of study. This technique is structured in three phases: pre-analysis, exploration of the material and treatment of results and interpretation^{1111 Bardin L. Análise de conteúdo. Lisboa: Personas; 2004.}.

In the pre-analysis, the material was read, the documents to be analyzed were chosen and the hypotheses were formulated. During the exploration of the material, classification and categorization phase, the information was organized systematically: ordering of events, starting from the participant’s arrival in their territory; first actions by companies and installation of wind towers; perceptions about changes in the territory and the vulnerability processes resulting from the arrival and operation of wind towers. In the end, two thematic units were established, the first being ‘Vulnerability processes and impacts on human health’, and the second, ‘Wind turbines and the repercussions on quality of life’.

In the results treatment and interpretation stage, the contents present in the material collected through the instrument were captured and the meanings were studied, interpreting them through reading the material.

The information in this research preserved the confidentiality of the data and the non-identification of the participants. Therefore, numbers from 1 to 7 were designated to reference the participants’ discourses.

Results and discussion

Seven people participated in the study, four who declared themselves cisgender women and three cisgender men. Regarding race/color, all participants declared themselves as brown/black. Regarding age, 1 peasant was between 20 and 29 years old; 2 peasants, between 30 and 39 years old; 2 peasants, between 40 and 49 years old; 1 peasant, between 60 and 69 years old; and 1 peasant, between 70 and 79 years old.

With regard to marital status, it was observed that five interviewees were married, one was divorced and one was widowed.

Regarding education, it was found that most of the research participants had not completed their studies, with four interviewees having incomplete primary school, one with incomplete middle school and only two interviewees had completed high school.

Regarding occupation, the majority did not have a paid occupation, six being subsistence farmers, who received financial assistance through an income distribution program from the federal government, with a monthly income lower than the minimum wage, and one participant who worked paid occupation of director of a workers’ organization, according to the Brazilian Occupation Classification^{1212 Ministério do Trabalho (BR). Portaria nº 397, de 10 de outubro de 2002. Aprova a Classificação Brasileira de Ocupações - CBO/2002, para uso em todo território nacional e autoriza a sua publicação. Diário Oficial da União. 9 Out 2002.}, with an income of less than two monthly minimum wages.

Vulnerability processes and impacts on human health

The arrival of wind farms in traditional communities brings socio-environmental changes, such as changes in the way of life, territorial dispossession and changes in local fauna and flora<sup>1313 Freitas RJN. Energia Eólica: os conflitos socioambientais gerados pela implantação dos parques eólicos no litoral do Ceará. In: Anais do 6º Encontro Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Ambiente e Sociedade; 2012 set 22; Pará. Pará: UFPA; 2012. p. 1-18.

14 Pontes DR, Uchimura GC, Farias JRV, et al. Territórios subsumidos: insistências despossessórias e sujeitos contingentes. Rev Katal. 2021;24(3):542-553. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0259.2021.e79790
https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0259.2021.e... -1515 Souza JS. Estudo sobre a energia eólica no Brasil e seus impactos [monografia na Internet]. Rio Grande do Sul: Universidade Federal do Pampa; 2014 [acesso em 2022 set 6]. 57 p. Disponível em: https://dspace.unipampa.edu.br//bitstream/riu/4331/1/Estudo%20sobre%20a%20energia%20e%c3%b3lica%20no%20Brasil%20e%20seus%20impactos.pdf
https://dspace.unipampa.edu.br//bitstrea...</sup> . In addition to these disorders, there is another area that is heavily affected: health. After the arrival of the wind farm, changes were observed in the peasants’ organism:

Such changes may be related to the effects of noise and vibrations on the human body, specifically on the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. Signs of vestibular disorders involve imbalance, gait deviations, instability in walking, rotating sensation and falls^{1616 Teixeira CS, Körbes D, Rossi AG. Ruído e equilíbrio: aplicação da posturografia dinâmica em indústria gráfica. Rev CECAF. 2011;13(1):92-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-18462010005000016
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-1846201000...} .

The absence of damage to the auditory system characterizes hearing as normal. However, when any type of injury occurs, hearing will be impaired. Furthermore, injuries to the inner ear are irreparable, as they damage sensory or nervous structures^{1717 Simões SCD. Ruído e Vibrações no Corpo Humano [dissertação na Internet]. Setúbal: Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal; 2014 [acesso em 2023 maio 9]. 83 p. Disponível em: https://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.26/7315/1/Projeto%20Individual.pdf
https://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.2...} .

It is observed that vulnerable participants feel uncomfortable with this exposure to noise, as it was not something that was part of their routines. From a physiological point of view, noise is defined as any acoustic phenomenon that produces an unpleasant or unwanted auditory sensation^{1717 Simões SCD. Ruído e Vibrações no Corpo Humano [dissertação na Internet]. Setúbal: Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal; 2014 [acesso em 2023 maio 9]. 83 p. Disponível em: https://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.26/7315/1/Projeto%20Individual.pdf
https://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.2...} . In this way, the perception of noise becomes individual and subjective, varying according to its characteristics of intensity, spectrum and frequency and the particularities of the individuals who receive this stimulus, such as age, emotional state, beliefs and way of life.

Participants report that they had illnesses diagnosed after the arrival of the wind towers or the worsening of previously identified health problems:

The autonomic nervous and endocrine system is excited after exposure to noise, presenting physiological, biochemical and cardiovascular changes in response. Studies have been developed with the aim of investigating the non-auditory effects of human exposure to noise, such as changes in the cardiovascular system, diabetes and stress^{77 Santos DCJV. Paisagem sonora: uma ferramenta para saúde pública - versão revisada [tese na Internet]. São Paulo: Faculdade de Saúde Pública; 2020 [acesso em 2022 ago 22]. 101 p. Disponível em: https://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/6/6132/tde-09032020-095914/publico/SantosDCLJV_DR_R.pdf
https://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponive...} .

The wind farms were inaugurated at Sítio Sobradinho, on September 29, 2015, and since the beginning of operation and the contact of the local population with the noise, changes have been felt in their bodies:

As previously mentioned, exposure to noise is harmful to human health. It is not possible to say for sure after how long of exposure an observer can perceive such changes, but exposure for at least two weeks may be capable of triggering such senses^{1818 Barbosa Filho WP, Azevedo ACS. Impactos ambientais em usinas eólicas. In: Anais do 9º Agrener; 2013; Itajubá. Itajubá: Agrener; 2013. p. 1-17.}.

Noise, despite being made up of sound waves, can be captured through solid structures and cause vibrations, thus being called Low Frequency Noise (RBF) or infrasound. The human body has different natural frequencies, which vary depending on location. However, it becomes extremely serious when the body is directly exposed to a frequency that differs from its own, which can cause permanent damage to organs, triggering headaches, tremors, fatigue and insomnia^{1717 Simões SCD. Ruído e Vibrações no Corpo Humano [dissertação na Internet]. Setúbal: Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal; 2014 [acesso em 2023 maio 9]. 83 p. Disponível em: https://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.26/7315/1/Projeto%20Individual.pdf
https://comum.rcaap.pt/bitstream/10400.2...} .

The destructive effects of noise can be avoided or minimized even in the planning phase of the construction of wind farms. The further away wind towers are installed from homes, the lower the chances of nuisance. The Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, through the National Environmental Council (CONAMA) and through Resolution No. 462, of July 24, 2014, established mechanisms for the environmental licensing of electricity generation projects on land19. The document determines that an environmental diagnosis must be carried out, provided by the company, which, among its specifications, requires information regarding noise produced by wind farms that are less than 400 meters away from isolated residences or communities. Until the year 2023, the participants or authors of this research did not have access to any document confirming the making of such a study.

In Brazil, unlike other countries, such as Belgium, Denmark, France and Sweden, there is no legislation that specifies the distance between houses and the insertion of wind towers. In Pernambuco, there is Ordinary Law Project No. 620/2019, which proposes determining the minimum distance for installing wind turbines in relation to buildings for public, collective and private use. The indicated distance was 500 meters. This bill was presented after exposing the impacts of wind towers in a public hearing at the Legislative Assembly of the State of Pernambuco (ALEPE)^{2020 Assembleia Legislativa do Estado de Pernambuco (PE). Projeto de Lei Ordinária 620/2019. Estabelece, no âmbito do Estado de Pernamb uco, a distância mínima para instalação de aerogeradores em relação a edificações de uso público, coletivo e privado [Internet]. Recife: Alepe; 2019 [acesso em 2023 maio 8]. Disponível em: https://www.alepe.pe.gov.br/proposicao-texto-completo/?docid=5166&tipoprop=p#:~:text=Estabelece%2C%20no%20%C3%A2mbito%20do%20Estado,uso%20p%C3%BAblico%2C%20coletivo%20e%20privado
https://www.alepe.pe.gov.br/proposicao-t...} .

The presence of an unidentified, fine and white, powder was also observed, which settles in the waters of cisterns, tanks, dams and mud pits, accumulating on any flat surface. In large quantities and when humidified, this product forms a homogeneous and dense mass. The origin of this material was not identified, but it is known that it appeared in the region after wind farms began operating:

Participants report that after discovering the presence of this material on their lands and waters, wounds and spots appeared on their skin, with a rough consistency and that itch.

Over the years, wind towers, which operate almost uninterruptedly, end up wearing out. It is likely that, from this degradation, elements will be released from its structure and carried away by the air, such as the reported dust. The materials most used to manufacture wind turbine blades are steel, aluminum and a combination of materials (wood, fiberglass and carbon fiber). The ideal material for manufacturing the shovel must have good resistance and meet cost and ease of manufacturing requirements; therefore, fiberglass meets these needs^{2121 Vergara RF. Análise estrutural de torres anemométrica e de sustentação de turbinas eólicas [dissertação na Internet]. Rio Grande: Fundação Universidade Federal do Rio Grande; 2005 [acesso em 2023 maio 8]. 161 p. Disponível em: https://repositorio.furg.br/bitstream/handle/1/3481/An%C3%A1lise%20Estrutural%20de%20Torres%20Anemom%C3%A9trica%20e%20De%20Sustenta%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20de%20Turbinas%20E%C3%B3licas.pdf?sequence=1
https://repositorio.furg.br/bitstream/ha...} .

The type of glass fiber most used in the manufacture of blades is type E. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), boron oxide (B2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO) and sodium oxide (Na2O). Carbon fiber is also widely used as it gives more stability to increasingly longer blades^{2222 Costa HCC. Dimensionamento e fabricação de Pás de torres eólicas (TEEH) [monografia na Internet]. Jaboatão dos Guararapes: UNIFG; 2022 [acesso em 2023 maio 8]. 36 p. Disponível em: https://repositorio.animaeducacao.com.br/handle/ANIMA/24137
https://repositorio.animaeducacao.com.br...} .

Studies prove the link of these components to health problems, such as SiO2 associated with fibrosing lung disease, AlO3 and MgO linked to skin irritation and difficulty breathing, CaO correlated with hives and eye burns and Na2O linked to disorders in the nose and throat, digestive, dermatological and ocular changes^{2323 Terán JEC. Educação em saúde: silicose [monografia na Internet]. Corinto: Curso de Especialização em Atenção Básica em Saúde da Família; 2010 [acesso em 2023 maio 9]. 20 p. Disponível em: https://www.nescon.medicina.ufmg.br/biblioteca/imagem/2543.pdf
https://www.nescon.medicina.ufmg.br/bibl... ,2424 Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Coordenação de Tratamento de Efluentes: 2003. Rio de Janeiro: Fiocruz; 2003.}.

Wind turbines and the repercussions on quality of life

In 1946, the World Health Organization (WHO)^{2525 Presidência da República (BR). Lei nº 8080, de 19 de setembro de 1990. Dispõe sobre as condições para a promoção, proteção e recuperação da saúde, a organização e o funcionamento dos serviços correspondentes e dá outras providências. Diário Oficial da União. 20 Set 1990.} defined health as an absolute state of physical, mental and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease. However, this determination becomes insufficient, since health has as determinants and conditions, among others, food, housing, basic sanitation, the environment, work, income, education, transport, leisure and access to essential goods and services^{2626 Ministério da Saúde (BR), Saúde e Vigilância Sanitária. O que significa ter saúde. Brasília, DF: Ministério da Saúde; 2021.}. Health can be understood as a phenomenon, and not as a stagnant event, as it is linked to different individual and collective aspects.

The concept of health can be related to that of quality of life, also proposed by the WHO, as the individual’s vision and its incorporation into life, in the context of the culture and value systems in which they are inserted and the equivalence to their objectives, expectations, standards and concerns.

The term quality of life is complex and subjective, portraying individual responses to the physical, mental and social aspects that constitute a normal routine^{2727 Serafim FMMP. Promoção do bem estar global na população sénior: práticas de intervenção e desenvolvimento de actividades físicas [tese]. Algarve: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais; 2007. 294 p.}. In this way, the definition of quality of life is linked to the context in which the person is inserted and all the experiences lived in that space, making it something subjective and complex to define precisely.

In the case of the participants, the different dimensions need to be considered, since they are people with a traditional and well-defined way of life, who were surprised by companies that invaded their lands with the intention of staying and enjoying what the territory could offer, without measuring the consequences that this movement could cause for the population, subjecting peasants to situations that caused physical and mental discomfort.

Some authors argue that wind energy and the supposed profitability for the local population result in an improvement in quality of life^{2828 Batista FRS, Rodrigues AF, Melo ACG, et al. Análise da viabilidade econômica de projetos solares fotovoltaicos considerando os riscos não sistemáticos dos empreendimentos desenvolvidos no Brasil. In: Anais do 25º Seminário Nacional de Produção e Transmissão de Energia Elétrica; 2019 nov 11; Belo Horizonte. Belo Horizonte: SNPTEE; 2019. p. 1-10.}. However, it was not possible to find benefits or improvements in the participants’ reports, as the majority emphasized that only by moving away from the wind towers would they be able to have quality of life:

Participant 2 reports that he felt an improvement in his quality of life after leaving his property:

This improvement can be considered relative, because when they move away from the wind towers, the discomfort and constant fear cease, making the peasants experience a certain well-being. However, as a consequence of this separation, other problems may arise, given that this displacement distances the peasants from their territory and all the symbolism of the place, which can cause trauma and vulnerability.

The term quality of life is complex and subjective, portraying individual responses to the physical, mental and social aspects that constitute a normal routine^{2929 Serafim FMMP. Promoção do bem-estar global na população sénior: práticas de intervenção e desenvolvimento de atividades físicas [tese na Internet]. Algarve: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais; 2007 [acesso em 2023 maio 9]. Disponível em: https://sapientia.ualg.pt/handle/10400.1/659
https://sapientia.ualg.pt/handle/10400.1...} . It is clear that the quality of life of the participants is impaired, as factors such as health, physical and mental well-being have been severely affected since the arrival of wind farms.

Conclusions

It was observed that the arrival and operation of the wind turbines coincided with the emergence of signs and symptoms, such as hearing and skin problems, anxiety, dizziness and headache. This situation allows us to consider a probable connection between the impacts caused by wind towers, already described in the literature, and those present in the participants’ reports. Prudence is necessary when planning and building wind farms, since such health problems can be temporary or permanent, leading the local community to constant suffering. The need for new studies focused on the effects of wind farms on human health is highlighted.

References

Publication Dates

History