CANADA STUDY FINDS NO HEALTH HARM FROM WIND TURBINES

No proof wind turbines are bad for health: report
Linda Nguyen, May 20, 2010 (CanWest News Service)

"There is no proof that wind turbines are hazardous to your health, according to a report released Thursday by Ontario's top doctor.

"The report, titled The Potential Health Impact of Wind Turbines, examined academic literature, government reports and studies [from Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Italy and the United States] in scientific journals on the green energy source dating back to the 1970s…[and] found no evidence that wind turbines led to negative health effects…"

Studies consistently show no harm. (click to enlarge)
Studies consistently show no harm. (click to enlarge)

"King notes in the report that research from 42 sources does not support claims by people near wind turbines who report dizziness, headaches and sleep deprivation….[The study said] the noise coming from the turbines isn't loud enough to cause hearing impairment or any other health effect.

"In the last few years, the Ontario government has supported wind-turbine use as a viable alternative to other energy sources in its effort to phase out Ontario's dependency on coal…The province currently has 690 wind turbines…Wind-turbine developments also figure in the energy plans of most provinces and territories in Canada."

From videomarkkHD129 via YouTube

"Wind energy has been controversial…[and there are complaints] of high noise levels, potential exposure to electromagnetic fields, shadow flicker that may cause seizures in epileptic patients, safety concerns about dislodged ice thrown from the blades and possible structural hazards if the turbine were to break down…[The report] pointed out that guidelines set by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment ensure that these concerns pose little public risk because the turbines are installed a mandatory distance of at least 550 metres from a residence. Noise levels also do not exceed 40 decibels, which is the average sound level of a quiet office or a library.

"Last month, a protest with 250 participants was held at the Ontario legislature to support a moratorium on industrial wind-energy projects…But Robert Hornung, the president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, said the "best available scientific research" shows no need for further study…Canada lags behind other developed countries…[in] wind-energy projects…[and the] economic growth, rural development and [environmental benefits they bring]…[W]ind turbines [could] power up to a million homes and businesses across Canada…"