Chatham-Kent's acting medical officer of health defended his support of wind turbines, despite a colleague's recent report.

Dr. David Colby said there is no hard evidence that turbines are a health risk, in the wake of findings from Dr. Robert McMurtry to the contrary.

McMurtry told a provincial standing committee on Bill 150 that whenever there is uncertainty on impacts, the government should be cautious.

"Until and unless there are authoritative guidelines in place based on the best available evidence, the Province of Ontario ought not to proceed with the development of industrial wind turbines any further," McMurtry stated. The development of these guidelines must be based on a rigorous epidemiological evaluation of health effects of these turbines."

Epidemiological relates to factors affecting the health of various populations.

Colby recently addressed the local Rotary Club on his view of wind energy. He said he respects McMurtry, and is "on good terms" with him, but disagreed with the methodology.

Colby said the study can't prove whether health effects are actually directly related to turbines.

"(Data) has been derived by people saying, 'Do you live near wind turbines and do you have any of the following symptoms? Sleeplessness? Restlessness? Irritability? Headaches?'" he said.

"I've had all of those in the last 48 hours -- and I do not spend any time near wind turbines."

Colby also believes the logistics would be difficult in conducting an epidemiological evaluation.

However, he sympathized with those who are bothered by turbines, saying everyone has different thresholds, particularly when they're trying to sleep.

"Who am I to say that they're not stressed out or having a problem?" he said. "But in the same way, could you say that having a light on in your room is a health hazard? You can't."

He said there needs to be enforcement of noise standards, but that it should be done on a provincial or national level.

In March, Colby participated in a wind energy information seminar organized by SkyPower in Picton, Ont. While the brochure stated he was a representative of SkyPower, Colby said this was false.

"I was not representing them in any way," he said. "That was the condition for coming down there. My credibility could be at issue if people think I'm a hired gun."

Colby said he was paid an honorarium, but that it helped cover his travel expenses. While he admitted he's not a wind turbine expert, he said his opinion on the issue is respected.

"I'm knowledgeable enough that even the province is consulting me on what they should do," he said. "That's because I've looked into this and made my findings public."