OCRC Report: Investigation of McIntyre Powder Exposure and Neurological Outcomes in the Mining Master File Cohort

McIntyre Powder is an aluminum and aluminum oxide powder that was administered to miners in Ontario between 1943 and 1979. It was thought to prevent silicosis among miners, but later was found to have no protective effect. The Occupational Cancer Research Centre was funded by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to examine the risk of neurological disease among Ontario miners who were exposed to McIntyre Powder.

This study found evidence of an association between McIntyre Powder exposure and increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. While no association was observed between McIntyre Powder exposure and Alzheimer’s disease or motor neuron disease, miners overall had a higher risk compared to the general population.

More information on the study, including links to the report and other resources, can be found below, or on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board website.