Asbestos Anxiety

[FuturePersonality]

Hello all,

This is my first time I have ever discussed mental health online, so please bear with me. For the last couple of years, I have had some asthmatic-like symptoms when exercising, which I had never had previously and aren’t in the family. I have previously disregarded this, but am going for a medical checkup this week (for an unrelated matter, but may also bring it up).
My big concern regards our bathroom. In 2017, part of the floor collapsed due to rotten wood underneath the floorboards (as a result of bad plumbing) and a makeshift repair was made. However, this involved removing some tiles and cutting through the layer of material underneath, which remains exposed today. Parts of this have no tiles on top and have begun to break apart due to being walked on. Due to our house being older, and the fact that asbestos was commonly used in bathrooms, I fear that perhaps this is asbestos and that, unknowingly, we have been exposed to it for the last few years. I have voiced my concerns to my mum, but she doesn’t seem at all fazed, instead worried about the costs of having it tested and then removed, if it is asbestos. I can’t afford to have it done myself, since I am in late high school, but am seriously considering picking up more work to be able to do so. My brother also doesn’t seem to care at all; are my fears really that misplaced? How can everyone be so apathetic otherwise?

Please help me figure out what to do, if anything. I cannot simply accept the risk of harming my health, and that of my family, due to something preventable, but perhaps there is a better course of action.

Thank you.

[Croix]

Dear FuturePersonality~

Welcome here, I know you are worried about the effects of certain types asbestos on health, and it is true there have been a significant number of people who have contracted grave illness from it.

However these have tended to be in the manufacturing, roof insulation, service and automotive industries where quantities of airborne particles are constantly inhaled. I could not say how long this has to go on for to be harmful, I'm no expert.

The UK National Health Service says:

When the dust is breathed in, the asbestos fibers enter the lungs and can gradually damage them over time. But you would need long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, usually over many years, before you develop asbestosis.

The number of people who live in buildings and homes that have asbestos in them is very great indeed, it was a popular robust and cheap building in its day -and a fire retardant too. I myself have such a home. In proportion the number of people who have reported illness in these circumstances is exceedingly small.

The Australian Department of Health says in part of its website

https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/asbestos-toc~asbestos-when-a...

if your house was built:
before the mid-1980s it is highly likely that it has asbestos-containing products
between the mid-1980s and 1990 it is likely that it has asbestos containing products

You can draw a conclusion from that about the safety of an asbestos presence.

On the other hand the number of people who have become asthmatics is far greater and the causes normally do not involve asbestos but completely different factors. I'm pleased you are thinking of seeing about doctor about them, apart from easing your asthma you may be putting your mind at rest. Mention the possible asbestos at your home should you wish

Seek professional advice wiht your parents. There might be a low cost solution.

Your family have been there for some time. You can't change that, and are the only person concerned.

You cannot even change the near future, what you can change is how you feel. Being overwhelmed by possibilities simply does not help. You can decide on a course of action, and when practical put it into effect, however in the meantime do what you can to put it out of your mind.

As one means of reducing a constant fear I use an free smartphone app called smiling mind, which with practice is surprisingly effective in breaking out of a loop of worry

Croix

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[Guest_342]

I totally relate to how you're feeling. I have gone through stages of severe anxiety and, at times, it's attached itself to all things health related - including asbestos. About 26 years ago I remember pulling an old shed apart with my brother - we were being naughty kids and got in big trouble for the damage we caused. Now, looking back, we are fairly sure it was asbestos sheets. Every now an again the media publishes one of their fear-mongering articles about 'the next wave of asbestos victims' and I used to think, "Oh my gosh, it was about 20 years ago that we pulled the shed apart - my time is getting closer! I'm sure I have the symptoms!" But you know what - I recognise now that it's all part of my anxiety and, whether or not it was asbestos that I was exposed to, I can't control what's happened. I even joked with my brother since that because we both did it, "We can be in it together." I tried to make light of the situation.

I also think a bit like croix - of all the many thousands of people living amongst asbestos, how many do we hear about actually getting sick? Even then, as croix says, it seems to be the ones with large scale prolonged exposure through work.

I'm no medical expert, but I tend to think that, just like some people can live to 100 smoking a pack of cigarettes a day and never get cancer (while others smoke far less and die), the same can maybe be said of asbestosis and so many other illnesses - some people are simply born more prone to developing conditions than others and their bodies react to things differently. So I wouldn't assume that you're doomed.

Also, I don't know about you, but my hay fever this season has been shocking - short of breath sometimes because of it. Could that be it? Perhaps describe your symptoms to your GP. Mention the possible asbestos if you wish, but be guided by their reasoned response rather than catastrophising and the 'what ifs'. Also perhaps discuss your anxiety and they might suggest an approach to help with health anxiety generally?

While we can't undo what's done, what is within your control is to do something about the exposed material. If you are very worried, would it be an option to see if covering up the exposed area with eg new tiles would make things safer? At least that would prevent the material (whatever it is) being further disturbed, if you can't afford to have it tested and removed?

Take reasonable and measured steps to address what you can, but remember to live in the moment 🙂