June 2010 - Hot Topic

The Potential Health Impact of Wind Turbines

It is evident that our society, in addition to reducing our demand for energy, must find alternatives to the use of fossil fuels for our energy source. We also know that with every new technology proposed there will be risks and benefits.

The use of wind turbines is no exception. People report symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and sleep disturbances that are attributed to the noise caused by the wind turbines.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario has recently released a report summarizing the findings about the health effects of wind turbines synthesized by a technical working group comprised of staff of the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (OAHPP), Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (MOHLTC), and several Medical Officers of Health from health units across Ontario.

For this investigation, the source of evidence was gleaned from cross-sectional research studies, case studies and review articles from peer review journals, grey literature, and other reports. The health effects were reviewed in relation to sound and noise, and low frequency sound, infrasound, and vibration. It was pointed out that there is little information about accurate measurement of sound exposure resulting from wind turbines: good measurement protocols are required. The conclusion of the review of scientific evidence indicates that, while some folks report some symptoms, there is no demonstrated direct causal link between the turbine noise and adverse health effects.

The report goes on to describe two important features of the wind turbine regulation in Ontario. Setback regulations are aimed to protect residents from potential health and safety hazards. Applicants for wind turbine are required among other measures to hold two community consultations to discuss the proposal. The report suggests that such consultations my alleviate some of the health concerns regarding wind turbines.

Download a full copy of the report [PDF]

 

The H1N1 Pandemic: How Ontario Fared

In this report, Dr Arlene King shares her impressions about the public health response to the H1N1 pandemic and indicates that a more detailed review of the public health response will be forthcoming. Three areas went well. Collaboration across jurisdictions, from WHO to local public health units, although not without challenges, was driven by an absolute commitment to get it right. First Nations communities in Ontario were served well during the pandemic. Due to excellent relationships between the Ministries of Health and Education, schools remained open.

Among issues identified as shortcomings were vaccine supply and capacity. Vaccine supply was not available to meet the demand. Dr King points out that this vaccine program was the largest and most rapidly executed immunization program in history. The logistics of organizing an appropriate response were underestimated in Ontario. The lack of an electronic record system was also identified as a barrier to an effective response.

In her recommendations, Dr King recommends that we need to develop at the immunization system, one that has an electronic record system such as Panorama. In addition, for a pandemic response, we need a better chain of command that allows the CMOH the ability to give directives to local public health units, and there needs to be better coordination between public health, LHINs and primary care physicians.

Dr King is proud of the pandemic response in Ontario.

Review her full report here [PDF, 1.3MB].