McGuinty willing to consider standards for health effects of wind turbines

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says he's willing to consider setting standards to address health concerns around wind turbines.

McGuinty notes there is no definitive research into the possible health risks of living near a wind farm, but says the province must take all concerns into account as it looks to set up more turbines.

He says he has spoken with a prominent doctor who took his concerns to the legislature this week, and would consider setting standards to deal with low-level sound waves.

Would talk to manufacturers

McGuinty admits he doesn't know what those standards might be, but says he has a responsibility to consider the concerns.

He added he would have to talk to turbine makers at some point in the process.

Robert McMurtry, a former dean of medicine at the University of Western Ontario, is asking the province to conduct more studies to get a definitive answer on the turbines' impact on human health.

He says his survey of people living near giant turbines found the majority suffered from headaches, sleep disturbances and depression.