While gardening may be a relaxing hobby, it could also be linked to some serious health issues. 

A recent study found a link between certain recreational activities and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. The condition is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the ALS Association.

It decreases motor function, causing weakness across the body over time and significantly shortens life expectancy. Just last summer, Sandra Bullock’s long-time partner Bryan Randall died at age 57 from the disease. 

A study from Michigan Medicine found hobbies like golfing, gardening and woodworking could be associated with an increased risk of ALS, specifically in men.

“Future studies should include these activities to pinpoint how they can be understood in the context of ALS prevention, diagnosis, and treatment,” he said. 

Past research has shown that environmental exposures, especially over a long period of time, may affect a person’s risk of developing ALS. For hobbies like golfing, gardening and yard work, the exposure to pesticides could possibly be a factor. 

And for woodworking, formaldehyde exposure could be attributed to higher risk.