RALLY BACKS ELECTRIFICATION
Electric trains deemed cleaner option: MOH
September 27, 2009
Rita Trichur
STAFF REPORTER
Toronto's medical officer of health launched his latest salvo in the war of words with Metrolinx over its controversial proposal to run about 400 diesel trains a day to Brampton and Georgetown.
Dr. David McKeown took the unusual step of speaking at a protest organized by the Clean Train Coalition, repeating concerns about the health impacts of Metrolinx's proposal for the Georgetown south corridor.
"The trouble is the current proposal (is) built on a foundation of diesel – a mode of transportation we know is bad for air quality and not good for our health," McKeown told an energetic crowd of more than 500 gathered at Sorauren Park in Roncesvalles Village.
He said Metrolinx's own studies clearly indicate additional health risks "for people who live close to the lines."
Diesel exhaust can particularly effect people suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. A Toronto Public Health paper also notes diesel exhaust "has been identified as a probable human carcinogen."
McKeown argued electric trains are a cleaner option, a view echoed by Councillor Adam Giambrone, MPP Cheri DiNovo and MPs Gerard Kennedy and Olivia Chow.
Recently, however, McKeown retreated from some of his earlier concerns that expanded diesel service would increase the risk of leukemia for some residents along the tracks. Metrolinx seized on that concession, distributing leaflets to households saying McKeown had issued a "revised opinion" on its study.
When asked if he was misquoted, McKeown replied: "Metrolinx is trying to support their own proposal. I think anyone who looks at their material and looks at what I've written will know where I stand."
Metrolinx CEO Rob Prichard downplayed suggestions of a conflict, saying all agree diesel exhaust could contribute to air pollution by the tracks – but only on very bad air days.
While knowledgeable about medical health, McKeown "is no expert on electrification, as he would acknowledge," Prichard added.
Toronto Star
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