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Professional engineer Bernd Töpperwien made a presentation (in German) on infrasound and its impacts on human health, specifically addressing the impacts of a wind park proposed to be built in the region he resides.

Though low-frequency infrasound (<20 Hz) is not audible to the human ear, the pressure variations are felt by the inner ear, which plays a major role when it comes to our sense of balance, perception, and orientation.

In his presentation Töpperwien says he used to be a proponent of wind energy. But after having researched the phenomenon of infrasound, he has changed his mind. One problem is that it is very difficult to dampen infrasound and that it travels great distances. A typical infrasound wave from a wind turbine can be measured up to 25 kilometers away he says. They travel great distances.

Moreover, air inversions can even reflect infrasound, and hence act to amplify the waves. Infrasound can also be transmitted to homes via the ground.

The changing pressures ´that infrasound causes in the inner ear lead to the person to believe he is in motion when he actually is not. This can cause the person to experience motion sickness symptoms. Other people may experience feelings of panic or feel discomfort in their organs.

Negative health impacts already confirmed

Other problems persons exposed to infrasound may experience include, insomnia, headaches, depression, high blood pressure, dizziness, tinnitus or even heart problems. All these ailments have been confirmed by a number of German government institutes. The German Army and the Robert Koch Institute have confirmed that persons exposed to infrasound over extended time periods can suffer damage to health, Töpperwien tells the audience.

What does Töpperwien say about wind turbines near homes?

I wouldn’t like to have any such turbine anywhere within 5 kilometers from where I live. I would like to stay healthy.”

What is the result? Increasingly German citizens are mounting ferocious resistance to wind turbines. Today there are hundreds of opposition groups.