Asbestos exposure

Hi,

today I have been removing my kitchen tiles when a friend has come round and highlighted to me that they are asbestos and now I can't stop worrying about it. I have 2 children in the house that weren't in the house at the time but now I'm scared they are going to inhale it. Is it dangerous as a one time exposure and will it cause serious harm to my children.

any advice would be great. Thankyou 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    Many people worry about similar situations when they think they may have been exposed to asbestos.

    Asbestos is still a very common substance and most people are exposed to a very small amount of asbestos fibres in their lives and yet asbestos related diseases are rare. So if you can, try not to be overly worried. It is regular occupational exposure to asbestos over many years that is known to increase the risk of lung disease and cancer, often two or three decades later.

    It's worth bearing in mind that practically everyone is exposed to asbestos and that low levels are present in our environment as it can be found in air and soil and yet very few people become ill. 

    According to the Health and Safety Executive (which is really about health and safety at work), short term exposures with asbestos will most likely have led to minimal exposure to fibres and is very unlikely to have any long-term ill health effects. You can read more about this by clicking here.

    You can also read more about this on the British Lung Cancer Foundation website at this link.

    I hope this helps  and remember you can always ring the GP if you are still concerned.

    Best wishes,

    Celene