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Ontario: No direct causal link between wind turbines and adverse health effects

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 King 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 near 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.

Ontario has more than 690 wind turbines. The minimum setback distance for wind projects is 550 meters, which the province says is intended to ensure noise levels do not exceed 40 decibels at the nearest residence.

May 22, 2010  By Ontario