Update: February 4, 2022
To gain a better understanding of the relationship between the use of McIntyre Powder in Ontario mines and the development of neurological health outcomes in former miners, we engaged Dr. Paul Demers from the Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), based at Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), to conduct an independent study in August 2017.
By partnering with Dr. Demers, we were able to leverage anonymized historical information on thousands of former Ontario miners to examine the potential neurological effects of McIntyre Powder exposure on miners who were exposed to it.
The results of this study, Investigation of McIntyre Powder Exposure and Neurological Outcomes in the Mining Master File Cohort: Final Report (PDF), the largest ever conducted on this topic, showed a statistically significant increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in McIntyre Powder-exposed miners compared to miners with no McIntyre Powder exposure.
Based on the study results and the unique nature of this cohort, Parkinson’s disease has been added as a new occupational disease to Schedule 3 in the General Regulation, effective January 27, 2022.*
This means that if anyone was exposed to McIntyre Powder through work in the mining industry and develops Parkinson’s disease, the disease is presumed to be work-related, unless the contrary is shown.
Questions and answers
1. My claim for Parkinson’s disease associated with McIntyre Powder exposure was previously denied. Will it be allowed now?
If someone has questions about a previously denied claim, we would be happy to speak with them. Please contact us at 1-800-387-0750 for more information.
2. What about other neurological diseases in McIntyre Powder-exposed miners?
The study found an association between McIntyre Powder exposure and Parkinson’s disease. It didn’t show an association between McIntyre Powder exposure and other parkinsonisms, Alzheimer’s disease or motor neuron disease. However, if someone believes they have a work-related illness, we encourage them to contact us and file a claim.
3. How do people know if they have a WSIB claim related to McIntyre Powder?
You need to have a WSIB claim number to be sure that your claim related to McIntyre Powder has been submitted. If you do not have a claim number, or are unsure if you have a claim, please call us at 1-800-387-0750.
4. I am a former miner who was exposed to McIntyre Powder but I haven’t filed a claim yet; can I still file a claim?
Yes, please call us at 1-800-387-0750 or visit our website to file a new claim. New claims can be filed at any time with the WSIB.
5. I am the next of kin of a deceased former miner who was exposed to McIntyre Powder. Will I be eligible to claim on behalf of the estate or as a dependant?
Each circumstance is unique. For more information, please call us at 1-800-387-0750 to speak to a WSIB representative. New claims can be filed at any time.
6. What did the OCRC study examine?
The OCRC conducted the study using the anonymized historical records included in the Mining Master File (MMF) which has information on over 90,000 workers in the Ontario mining industry. These documents contain information about the miners’ work history including exposure to McIntyre Powder.
This study linked the MMF records to provincial health records to examine whether there was an increased risk of neurological disease outcomes in McIntyre Powder exposed Ontario miners compared to non-McIntyre Powder exposed miners and the general population.
For more details, see the full study: Investigation of Mcintyre Powder Exposure and Neurological Outcomes in the Mining Master File Cohort: Final Report (PDF)
7. Who should I call if I have questions or concerns?
For more information, please call us at 1-800-387-0750 (Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).