Hi. I have a question about asbestos exposure. about 3-4 years ago my parents were re-doing the floor and completely removed the carpet and the tile under it (I was around 13 at the time). We recently discovered that the tiles most likely contained asbestos and I'm worried because I remember helping them clean it up without any precautions (it was brittle and cracking at the time) not 100% that they had asbestos though, but I know there's a chance it could. the house was built in the 60's. We're considering hiring someone to come test it out…Should I see a doctor about this asap? I've had no health problems and i've read up about the risks and symptoms…I'm just very worried even though it was a 1 time thing.
I have talked to a lot of old guys who used to remove abestos without any protective equipment and they're absolutely fine. In fact, my father-in-law used to install it when he was a kid with no protective equipment and he's still alive. this was done all before we knew it caused mesthelioma.
I highly doubt you were directly breathing in the dust from the tiles, so unless you were, I wouldn't worry about it.
Here are a few articles about the flooring and asbestos: it will clarify a lot for you:
http://www.findanyfloor.com/article/TheD…
and here's another one too:
http://www.findanyfloor.com/Mesothelioma…
I would def. hire a pro to come out and test it out. Look over the articles and see what you should do. it gives a lot of information on asbestos and flooring and mesothelioma too.
Asbestos is a dangerous substance but if you come into contact with it for a short period – then thankfully the bodies natural defenses will have most likely cleared any fibers that you inhale, i.e. through coughing and (macrophages) macrophages are part of the body's disease-fighting immune system, that normally engulf small particles in the lung. therefore you would be considered to be extremely unfortunate if you developed an asbestos related disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
A doctor would not be able to tell whether you have suffered any possible ill effects at this stage as asbestos related disease takes at least a decade to develop.
The highest percentage that do develop an asbestos related disease are those that have worked with asbestos for many years, i.e. through their employment – carpentry, plumbing, etc.
I am sure that you will be fine woth this one-off incident. and at least you have awareness of the hazards of asbestos for future reference.
Regards,
Annie.
Possible asbestos exposure help?
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