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Until recently, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was a relatively unknown disorder which was poorly understood by the scientific community. Awareness campaig
Manual labourers, especially construction workers and carpenters, are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS, according to University of Malta research.
Four years of analysing demographic data revealed that those engaged in heavy physical labour in Malta have an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“Close to two-thirds of ALS patients reported a blue-collar job as their main occupation during their entire career, which supports a link between a history of intense physical activity and this neurological condition,” senior lecturer Dr Ruben Cauchi told
Times of Malta.
“However, while research abroad has shown increased risk among Italian football players, American National Football League players and military service people, in Malta the risk increases among craft and related trades workers, especially construction labourers.”