Formaldehyde and Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS is a progressive disease. It is a disease which causes nerve cells to gradually break down and die. The Mayo Clinic states that it can affect the ability to control the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. This eventually leads to death.
Some initial symptoms of Lou Gehrig’s disease are:

1. Loss of coordination;
2. Loss of muscle tone;
3. Gradual weakening of all the bodies muscle groups;
4. Vocal pitch changes;
5. Slurring of speech;
6. Muscle cramps;
7. Mood swings;
8. Shortness of breath; and
9. Difficulty swallowing.

A recent study reported that male funeral directors were more than three times as likely to die from Lou Gehrig’s disease. The study has linked this to their constant use of Formaldehyde in the embalming process.

Respiratory Ailments

As well as Lou Gehrig’s disease or other nervous system consequences, formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant that causes:

1. chest pain;
2. Shortness of breath;
3. Coughing; and
4. Nose and throat irritation.

It also can cause increased occurrences of:

1. Headaches;
2. Depression;
3. Mood changes;
4. Insomnia;
5. Irritability;
6. Attention deficit; and
7. Impairment of dexterity, memory and equilibrium.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that It has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergies in children and can cause cancer.

Vaccines

Formaldehyde is also present in many childhood vaccines. It is used to kill unwanted bacteria and viruses that might contaminate the vaccine during production. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “most” formaldehyde is removed from the vaccine before it is packaged. This also means that “some” formaldehyde is left behind.

Pressed Wood Products

The chemical and known human carcinogen Formaldehyde pops up in many unexpected places, like pressed wood products such as cabinets and flooring, hair straightening or curling treatments, fertilizers, cigarette smoke, and some plastic and paper products. Its main function in the funeral industry is as a preservative. It is also used to kill germs. Its use is putting at risk the lives of those who deal with the dead.

The U.S. government classified formaldehyde as a known cancer causing agent in 2011. This did not limit its use, thanks largely to the industry lobbyists. Preventing people from coming into contact with formaldehyde by banning it, would be nearly impossible, since it is so common in manufacturing. It is in our homes, our schools, our cars, our personal care products. It wafts into the lungs of smokers and non-smokers alike.

Do what little you can to protect your entire family from formaldehyde exposure. If you’re buying new furniture, avoid pressed wood.

If you wish more information or testing for Formaldehyde in your home, contact MouldMedic® today.