The Invisible Threat: How PFAS and Bisphenols from Wind Farms Pollute Our Nature
Published 23.06.2023
PFAS and bisphenols are gaining attention due to their harmful health and environmental effects. Norway's Environmental Protection Association (NMF) warns that exceptions in EU chemical restrictions might allow industries like wind power to release dangerous substances. Microplastics and chemicals from turbine blades are becoming significant pollutants, but the information is often withheld, and risks are undercommunicated. The question remains: how much of these toxins end up in nature and our food chain?
Emission sources and disclaimers: The environmental threat from bisphenols and microplastic
Environmental toxins like PFAS and hormone-disrupting bisphenols are increasingly becoming a concern for both researchers and environmental organizations. As more harmful effects are discovered, the number of emission sources for these substances continues to grow. This highlights the urgent need for regulation and effective management to prevent further damage to ecosystems and human health.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recently held a consultation on proposed restrictions for bisphenol production and use. Norges Miljøvernforbund highlights that exemptions in the regulations undermine the goal of environmental protection. They question whether large industries, such as wind power and epoxy, should avoid strict requirements, especially when Bisphenol A and microplastics are recognized health threats.
Norges Miljøvernforbund emphasizes that actions should target the biggest sources of pollution. In their response to ECHA, they focused on the fact that wind turbines are a significant source of microplastics and bisphenols. The turbine blades, made of epoxy, contain large amounts of bisphenol, which breaks down into microplastics, contaminating the food chain and the environment.
Norges Miljøvernforbund raises concerns over the wind energy industry's lack of transparency and underreporting of incidents and emissions. They point out that Norwegian authorities heavily rely on industry self-reports without thorough independent investigations. The worry is what will happen when the public gains full insight into the actual environmental consequences of wind power operations. The emphasis is on the need for more openness and critical evaluation of the sector’s environmental impact.
The big threat from microplastics
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most harmful chemicals known, capable of damaging reproductive health in both animals and humans. Studies on rainbow trout and mice have shown that the damage can be passed to subsequent generations. BPA leaks from various products like plastic bottles, food containers, wind turbines, and tires. The environmental threat posed by this substance is significant, and its widespread presence raises major concerns for wildlife and human health.
As epoxy and plastic materials break down into microplastics, hazardous chemicals spread throughout nature and into the food chain. Microplastics are now found everywhere—from polar ice to deep ocean trenches—and in many living organisms. These particles can carry persistent pollutants, worsening the problem as they release toxins within the bodies of animals and humans. This widespread contamination poses significant risks to both the environment and human health.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently reduced the acceptable daily intake of Bisphenol A (BPA) to just 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight, 20,000 times lower than the previous limit. This highlights the danger of BPA even in small amounts. NMF is concerned that the issue is out of control and urges the government to implement stricter measures to stop the spread of these harmful substances.
The problem is far bigger than the industry and authorities are willing to admit.
The "Three Billy goats argument" is used by the wind industry to downplay the dangers of microplastic and turbine erosion. The argument focuses on other, potentially larger, sources of pollution, distracting from the issue at hand. Many of the data used to support this claim comes from the wind industry itself, which has financial interests in minimizing the perceived impact of its operations. This tactic diverts attention from the industry's own environmental contributions.
The key issue with microplastic pollution is the accumulation of particles from all sources. Microplastics don't break down and contribute to a growing environmental burden. These particles carry harmful chemicals into organisms' digestive systems, and once inside, it doesn't matter where they came from—it's the total quantity that causes harm. The "Billy goats argument" argument fails because it ignores the broader picture of microplastic pollution, undermining efforts to address its cumulative effects.
Many environmental toxins become more dangerous when combined, a phenomenon known as the "cocktail effect." The EU's Chemical Agency (ECHA) has acknowledged this and proposed stronger restrictions on bisphenols. However, significant exemptions are still given to epoxy composites, a major source of bisphenol-containing microplastics. Norges Miljøvernforbund’s consultation response highlights the issue of these exemptions for industries responsible for most emissions, calling them highly problematic.
The wind energy industry claims minimal wear from turbine blades, yet maintenance processes involve sanding the blades outdoors, releasing microplastics into the environment. Meanwhile, the industry seeks funding to develop more durable materials to address erosion and aerodynamic issues. Despite downplaying the microplastic issue, the problem is significant enough for the industry to request substantial research funds, highlighting that its focus is on economic loss rather than environmental impact.
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