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Jay Aspin, Member of Parliament Nipissing-Timiskaming

Aspin commends Federal Health Study on Wind Power, calls for immediate moratorium on Powassan and all wind developments in Nipissing-Timiskaming pending results of this study
North Bay, Ontario, Tuesday, July 17, 2012 MP Jay Aspin today stood in support of Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq who last week announced that Ottawa will conduct a Health Study examining potential adverse effects of wind turbines on nearby residents. Health Canada indicates that this study will contribute to an area of ongoing global research. I am most concerned for the citizens of Powassan, stated Aspin. Our Government is putting the health and safety of Canadians first and this study will do just that by painting a more complete picture of the potential health impacts of wind turbine noise. Based on the uncertainty of the health impact I would encourage the provincial government to defer any further development of wind power in Ontario until the health impact on residents of the province is fully assessed and understood, said Aspin. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether or not there is a relationship between exposure to the noise from wind turbines and adverse human health effects, although community annoyance and other concerns have been reported to Health Canada and in the scientific literature. This study is in response to questions from residents living near wind farms about possible health effects of low-frequency noise generated by wind turbines, said Minister Aglukkaq. The study will initially focus on residents in 2,000 dwellings near eight to 12 wind-turbine installations. There are about 140 such land-based wind farms in Canada, most of them in Ontario and Quebec. The study is being conducted by a team of more than 25 experts in acoustics, health assessment and medicine, including four international advisers. The Department said researchers will be conducting face-to-face interviews with residents, taking physical measurements such as blood pressure and heart rate, and assessing noise levels both inside and outside some of the homes. Some residents will be fitted with devices to monitor sleep disturbances for seven consecutive nights, and hair samples will be taken to

measure levels of the stress hormone cortisol over the previous 90 days, said a Health Canada scientist involved in the study. Representatives of both sides of the issue support the study: The Canadian Wind Energy Association, representing organizations and individuals involved in the development and application of wind energy products and services supports the new study and looks forward to undertaking such a review Wind Concerns Ontario, an anti-turbine advocacy group, welcomed the study announcement The proposed health-effects study design is posted on Health Canada's website for a 30-day public comment period, and feedback will be reviewed by the committee putting together the study. Canadians can voice their opinions on the Health Canada website: www.hc-sc.gc.ca Specific details about study locations and timing will be made public on Health Canada's website upon completion of the study, with results expected to be published in 2014. -- 30 For further information (media only): Andrej Litvinjenko 613-995-6255