If you're wondering how in the hell woodworking exposes you to formaldehyde, the answer is that it's in some glues.<p>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.<p>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.<p>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.
The title is a bit sensationalized but it is the title for the linked article.<p>- Participation in certain hobbies and avocational activities alters ALS risk.<p>- Avocational activities should be included in ALS exposome studies.<p>- Certain exercise, hobbies, and avocational ALS risk factors are sex-specific.<p><a href="https://www.jns-journal.com/article/S0022-510X(24)00034-0/abstract" rel="nofollow">https://www.jns-journal.com/article/S0022-510X(24)00034-0/ab...</a>
> 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…<p>I sort of understand it, but dammit, I’m enjoying my life.<p>I think we exist in a world inundated with chemicals.<p>Don’t do these activities and I bet you there is some other disease that gets an increased risk.