The title is a bit sensationalized but it is the title for the linked article.
- Participation in certain hobbies and avocational activities alters ALS risk.
- Avocational activities should be included in ALS exposome studies.
- Certain exercise, hobbies, and avocational ALS risk factors are sex-specific.
https://www.jns-journal.com/article/S0022-510X(24)00034-0/ab...
> While a definitive cause for the condition hasn't been identified, studies have increasingly suggested that the condition is caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure to things like pesticides and heavy metals.
I think it’s worth putting the scary-sounding 300% into context: the CDC says prevalence is 9/100,000. Even tripled, it is a very unlikely outcome for a given man. Which means I’m probably not going to give up woodworking over this (however I will redouble my existing efforts on dust collection).
…As I golf, swim, garden and woodwork…
I sort of understand it, but dammit, I’m enjoying my life.
I think we exist in a world inundated with chemicals.
Don’t do these activities and I bet you there is some other disease that gets an increased risk.
It’s odd that it only affects men. Is it possible that men just spend more time with these hobbies ?
ALS increases in men who have money and hobbies. Wtf study is that? Stinks of 3rd factor problem
If you're wondering how in the hell woodworking exposes you to formaldehyde, the answer is that it's in some glues.
In particular: urea-formaldehyde glued are used in the manufacture of sheet goods: plywood, OSB, MDF, etc. UF glue is also used in some veneer and lamination work because it gives a hard glue line (unlike yellow wood glues). That reduces springback on bent lamination work.
I believe it also has a longer open time than most other adhesives used in woodworking. A long open time is really nice if you're doing bent lamination.
My go-to is liquid hide glue for bent lam and veneer work. It also has a pretty hard glue line and a better open time than hot hide glue, though likely worse than something specifically formulated for a long open time. It's a tradeoff.