Characteristics and Effects of Wind Turbine Noise in the Quilombola Community of Macambira - Lagoa Nova/RN, Brazil

This paper discusses the characteristics and effects of noise generated by wind power developments in the Quilombola Community of Macambira, located in the Serra de Santana, Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. Although wind energy is considered a sustainable alternative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the fragility and lack of regulation in this activity have resulted in significant and severe impacts on urban and rural communities, as well as traditional peoples and communities in RN, a state in northeastern Brazil. In this context, acoustic comfort stands out as a key issue, with its compromise being a subject of study, particularly in relation to the health of affected populations. Some Brazilian states, such as Pernambuco, are conducting studies on this matter, confirming the health effects of wind farms on the population living near their installations. This phenomenon has been identified as "wind turbine syndrome." This paper presents data and analysis from research conducted in the Macambira Community in RN, including records of sound pressure levels and residents' reports on the effects of wind turbine noise on their daily lives. The approach adopted integrates both the technical assessment of noise and the lived experiences reported by the affected residents.