Wind turbines do not present health risks
Mike Brown, M.P.P. Algoma-Manitoulin
BROWN: NEW REPORT FROM ONTARIO’S CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH SAYS THERE IS NO DIRECT CAUSAL LINK BETWEEN WIND TURBINES AND ADVERSE HEALTH AFFECTS
QUEEN’S PARK – Mike Brown, MPP, Algoma-Manitoulin, announced today that the scientific evidence does not demonstrate any direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects according to a new report from Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
The report was prepared by the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in consultation with the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health. The report summarizes the scientific evidence on the potential health impacts of wind turbines.
The report concludes that:
- While some people living nearby wind turbines report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and sleep disturbance, available scientific evidence to date does not demonstrate a direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects.
- The sound level from wind turbines at common residential setbacks is not sufficient to cause hearing impairment or other direct adverse health effects, but it may annoy some people.
“According to the scientific evidence, there isn’t any direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects.”
– Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health
In addition, in a letter to the Editor of the Toronto Star, Gideon Forman, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Toronto, stated “The next time people suggest wind power threatens nature, they should look at the disaster emerging in the Gulf of Mexico. Wind turbines kill approximately two birds a year. How many birds – not to mention fish and turtles – will be killed by the 900,000 litres of oil now leaking into the gulf daily? As the slick approaches a Louisiana bird sanctuary, renewable energy looks increasingly attractive.”
QUICK FACTS
- The Ministry of Environment regulates wind turbines in Ontario.
- The minimum setback distance for wind projects is 550 metres; this intends to ensure noise levels do not exceed 40 decibels at the nearest residence.
- Forty decibels is approximately the noise level experienced in a quiet office or library.
- Ontario has over 690 wind turbines
