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The turbine blades are more challenging to recycle because of the glass fiber and plastics used to manufacture them. good amount of detail goes into the engineering and manufacturing of the turbine blades to maximize efficiency and durability. Manufacturing of wind turbine blades uses a process called vacuum assisted resin transfer molding.
Wind turbine blades are the largest consumer of epoxy plastics. In 2013, 27% (69,000 tons) of all epoxy resin went to wind turbine production. The annual global production of Bisphenol A in turn is more than 10 million tons, and a significant increase is expected in the coming years.
Epoxy contains 30-40% of Bisphenol A. Result: the particulate matter that comes from eroding windmill blades therefore contains a high content of Bisphenol A. And we already wrote that Bisphenol A is very harmful. Wind turbine blades are the largest consumer of epoxy plastics.
The particles eroded from blades include epoxy which is 40% Bisphenol-A (BPA), a frequently banned endocrine disruptor and neurotoxin. Academic research has shown the potential for 137 pounds of epoxy microparticles to be shed per turbine per year. Bisphenol-A or BPA is among the most toxic of man-made substances.