(Updated July 20, 2012, with response from CanWEA) – In recognition of the potential difficulty over the summer holiday period of certain interested Canadians in providing input before August 8, 2012, submissions will be accepted until September 7, 2012.

July 10, 2012 – In collaboration with Statistics Canada, Health Canada will conduct a research study that will explore the relationship between wind turbine noise and health effects reported by—and objectively measured in—people living near wind power developments.

“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 Leona Aglukkaq, minister of health.

Health Canada says it is aware of health-related complaints from individuals living in proximity to wind turbine establishments. The study is being designed with support from external experts specializing in areas including noise, health assessment, clinical medicine and epidemiology.

The proposed research design and methodology was posted on Health Canada’s website today 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.

The study will focus on a sample size of 2000 dwellings selected from 8-12 wind turbine installation facilities in Canada. In addition to taking physical measurements (e.g. blood pressure) from participants, investigators will conduct face-to-face interviews and take noise measurements inside and outside of some homes to validate sound modelling.

The study results are expected to be published in 2014.