The deadline for providing input for a study on the possible health effects of living near wind turbines has been extended.
Health Canada, in collaboration with Statistics Canada, is conducting a research study that will explore the relationship between wind turbine noise and possible health effects reported by, and objectively measured in, people living near wind power developments.
The proposed research design and methodology was posted on Health Canada’s web site July 10 for a 30-day public comment period. Feedback obtained will be reviewed by the design committee, compiled and published to the website, along with the design committee’s responses.
“In recognition of the potential difficulty over the summer holiday period of certain interested Canadians in providing input before Aug. 8, 2012, submissions will be accepted until Sept. 7, 2012,” a July 18 Health Canada press release stated.
The study is being designed with support from external experts specializing in areas including noise, health assessment, clinical medicine and epidemiology.
The study will be focused on an initially-targeted sample size of 2,000 dwellings selected from eight to 12 wind turbine installation facilities in Canada. In addition to taking physical measurements from participants, such as blood pressure, investigators will conduct face-to-face interviews and take noise measurements inside and outside of some homes to validate sound modelling.
Health Canada has expertise in measuring noise and assessing the health impacts of noise because of its role in administering the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA). As defined under REDA, noise is a form of radiation.
The study results are expected to be published in 2014.
