Posted on 10 March 2026 by Sue Bin Park

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Can shadow flicker from wind turbines trigger seizures in people with epilepsy?

The flicker of a wind turbine shadow is far below the minimum frequency required to trigger photosensitive epilepsy.

A wind turbine is said to produce a “shadow flicker” when its rotating blades pass between the sun and an observer, creating a repeating pattern of light and shadow.

Photosensitive epilepsy is triggered at frequencies of 3 Hz or higher, or 3 flashes of light per second. Wind turbines generate flicker frequencies of 0.5 to 1 Hz, well below the known minimum trigger frequency.

One study calculated that a typical three-blade turbine would need to operate at 60 rotations per minute (rpm) to potentially trigger photosensitive epilepsy. Modern turbines operate at maximum speeds of only 15 to 17 rpm.

Research and public health surveys have not established a phenomenon of wind turbine-induced photosensitive seizures.

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Sources

U.S. Department of Energy Shadow Flicker

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of Independent Expert Panel

Front Public Health Journal Wind Turbines and Human Health

IEEE Environment Impact Assessment for New Wind Farm Developments in Ukraine

Energy Reports Journal Occupational health hazards and risks in the wind industry

Columbia Law School Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Rebutting 33 False Claims About Solar, Wind, and Electric Vehicles

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