Formaldehyde Exposure in the Workplace

Exposure to chemicals, including formaldehyde, can increase the risk of developing debilitating conditions.

Numerous studies have found a link between exposure to pesticides, asbestos, dyes, solvents, coal or stone dust, and asphalt can cause different types of cancers and other conditions with devastating consequences. Formaldehyde should be on the list too.

Numerous workers are exposed to formaldehyde on a daily basis. Just to give you an idea, over 25% of beauticians report getting in contact with this substance regularly. The same goes for factory workers, firemen, lab technicians, doctors, nurses, and funeral workers. And, according to one recent study, prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS,) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

What Is ALS and What Does Formaldehyde Have to Do with It?

You’ve probably heard about the Ice Bucket Challenge. Maybe you took part in the movement too. It was an action destined to raise money and awareness about a terrible disease that is almost always deadly.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the neurons that connect to the muscles, allowing you to move and control your body. As the disease progresses, you lose control over your ability to control your muscle. Not only that you become paralyzed, but you also become unable to eat, speak, and eventually to breathe.

According to one study, there may be a connection between formaldehyde exposure and the risks of developing ALS. The study found that funeral workers are more likely to die of Lou Gehrig’s disease than other types of employees. The researchers suspect that it may have to do with the high levels of formaldehyde they get in contact with daily during the embalming process. While correlation doesn’t necessarily prove causation, the researchers think that this link should be studied further as the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers are at risk.

Working in a Toxic Environment: What Should You Do?

If your job forces you to work with dangerous chemicals and you think it is affecting your health, you may be entitled to workers compensation. While most workers are aware of the dangers pesticides and gasoline exhaust pose, they may not know that formaldehyde can affect their health too.

The first step you should take is to visit a doctor and document your health. Make sure to get in touch with a St. Louis workers compensation lawyer too as he can advise you on your best course of action.

ALS is a condition that develops over time, so it’s best to check every suspicious symptom.