Media Headlines Ignore Findings

Background:

The draft report of the joint MassDEP and MDPH “study” was released in January 2012. The Expert Panel did no independent research but did a literature review.

In careful prose the panel said:

“It is acknowledged that noise from wind turbines can be annoying to some and associated with some reported health effects (e.g., sleep disturbance) (p. 29)

“Given the effects of sleep deprivation on health and well-being, including problems with mood and cognition, it is possible that cognitive and mood complaints and other medical or psychological issues associated with sleep loss can stem from living in immediate proximity to wind turbines, if the turbines disrupt sleep.” (p. 32-33)

Media headlines announcing the release of the panel’s findings carelessly ignored the highly nuanced report language. Headline writers at times contradicted what their reporters wrote.

Headlines also ran counter to Governor Patrick’s statement:

… further study is needed to look at health impacts from “annoyance” for residents who live near turbines.”

Note that “ANNOYANCE” is a medical and policy term defining an impact on people that can range from mild irritation to extreme physiological and psychological disturbance.

Media Headlines:

Pseudo Study Spawns Zombie Claims