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Talking about the problems with wind power's health and environmental effects is appropriate only as long as the older power sources are not privileged by being left out of similar scrutiny. The alternatives have negative aspects as well that we need to compare to those of wind power. Coal power releases the radioactive gas radon, the neurotoxic heavy metal mercury, microscopic particles that harm people with asthma and other respiratory diseases, and also nitrogen and sulfur oxides that contribute to acid rain when the coal is burned. Natural gas extraction increasingly involves hydraulic fracturing, with pollution of groundwater and wells by the chemical cocktail that is injected underground. Burning of all fossil fuels contributes to global climate change. Nuclear reactors come with the well known risks of possible radioactive release and certain radioactive waste storage. The question is not if wind power is perfect, but if on balance it is better than the alternatives.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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