Wind turbines don’t make people sick, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health says after conducting a study of adverse health effects associated with the clean energy sources.

After examining scientific papers and reports on wind turbines from a number of databases and sources, Dr. Arlene King released a report Thursday that concludes that while some people living near turbines report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and sleep disturbance, the evidence to date does not demonstrate a “direct causal link” between turbines and ill health.

However, a groundswell of people living in communities near some of the turbines claim the low-frequency noise emitted from the blades has sickened nearly 106 Ontario residents, who report health problems ranging from hypertension to sleeplessness and nosebleeds in children.

There are over 690 green-energy wind turbines across Ontario.

“There are no direct links between wind turbines and adverse health impacts,” King said in an interview. “This variety of symptoms can be caused by a variety of different factors. It is important if individuals have symptoms or concerns (that they) be assessed by their physicians.”

The review examined a number of areas such as the relationship between low-frequency sound, infrasound and health. The review concluded the sound level from the turbines is “not sufficient” to cause hearing impairment or other direct health issues, “but it may annoy some people”.

Wind energy is a clean, green, source of energy. King said the turbines are far better than coal-fired power plants which produce air pollutants proven to harm human health – especially for those with chronic respiratory problems or asthma.

Ontario promises to eliminate coal-fired generation by the end of 2014.

John Laforet of Wind Concerns Ontario, a coalition of over 40 community groups in 27 counties across the province, called the study worthless because King did not survey the people suffering health problems.

“She didn’t talk to a single person reporting adverse symptoms,” he said. “This is either one hell of a coincidence or there is a causal relationship here.”

King said she did obtain information from individuals that was “received and considered.” She also examined scientific studies and databases, held discussions with relevant government agencies and sought input from organizations such as Laforet’s Wind Concerns Ontario.

Barb Ashbee claims she was a victim of wind turbine noise. She used to live near the Shelburne wind farm, where there are more than 100 turbines, but moved to the Orangeville area because of health concerns.

“We had heart palpitations, stomach problems, sleep deprivation and terrible cognitive problems. My husband actually had thyroid problems,” she said.

The report’s findings “sicken” Ashbee. “These people are supposed to protect our health,” she said. “I am stunned.”

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Ashbee’s health problems have improved since she moved away from the farms but she fears for others. “I get so angry. There are so many sick people and they are shutting them out.”

Going forward, King said she’ll continue to watch for any new data on wind turbines and health. The ministry of the environment is providing $1.5 million in funding for over five years for a research chair in renewable energy technologies and health, she added.

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