RALLY BACKS ELECTRIFICATIONElectric trains deemed cleaner option: MOHKEITH BEATY/TORONTO STARFive-year-old Marcus Dallas, lower right, joins dad Mark Sept. 26, 2009 at west-end rally opposing Metrolinx blueprint for stepping up GO train service onGeorgetown line.Email storyPrintChoose text sizeReport error or complaintLicense this article MAP SERIES: HOW WE COMMUTEMAP SERIES: TRANSIT USERSSep 27, 2009 04:30 AMRITA TRICHURSTAFF REPORTERToronto's medical officer of health launched his latest salvo in the war of wordswith Metrolinx over its controversial proposal to run about 400 diesel trains aday to Brampton and Georgetown.Dr. David McKeown took the unusual step of speaking at a protest organized by theClean Train Coalition, repeating concerns about the health impacts of Metrolinx'sproposal for the Georgetown south corridor."The trouble is the current proposal (is) built on a foundation of diesel – a modeof 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 inRoncesvalles Village.He said Metrolinx's own studies clearly indicate additional health risks "forpeople who live close to the lines."Diesel exhaust can particularly effect people suffering from respiratory andcardiovascular 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 CouncillorAdam Giambrone, MPP Cheri DiNovo and MPs Gerard Kennedy and Olivia Chow.Recently, however, McKeown retreated from some of his earlier concerns thatexpanded diesel service would increase the risk of leukemia for some residentsalong the tracks. Metrolinx seized on that concession, distributing leaflets tohouseholds saying McKeown had issued a "revised opinion" on its study.When asked if he was misquoted, McKeown replied: "Metrolinx is trying to supporttheir own proposal. I think anyone who looks at their material and looks at whatI've written will know where I stand."Metrolinx CEO Rob Prichard downplayed suggestions of a conflict, saying all agreediesel exhaust could contribute to air pollution by the tracks – but only on verybad air days.While knowledgeable about medical health, McKeown "is no expert on