I live in a 1950s house and have done a few DIY projects in the last couple of years which have generated lots and lots of dust. I haven't always worn a mask. I've sawed through ceilings to put in a loft ladder thinking it was just gypsum. I've also still got exposed channelling and holes in the walls from a full re-wire.

I did have the artex tested before starting and that didn't have asbestos, but I've recently learnt that plasterboard used to have asbestos and I'm very worried now. 

I'm worried that I've disturbed a significant amount of asbestos in the actual plasterboard in walls and ceilings and it's now in every nook and cranny of my house. From what I can tell, plasterboard with asbestos is likely to contain a more dangerous type of asbestos compared to artex.

I don't have any symptoms but I know it can take 20 years for mesothelioma or asbestosis to become apparent. The holes etc. aren't dangerous in themselves (I was going to fill them when I get round to decorating - the house needs a lot of work) but the new-found knowledge that we could have been breathing in tons of asbestos is worrying me. My house gets very dusty and I've just been wiping everything down and using our normal hoover to deal with it for the past couple of years so the asbestos could be everywhere by now.

I know the only way to know is to get it tested, but what do I do if I have been exposed? Do I just wait for the cancer symptoms which could be too late? I understand there's no cure so it could be too later by then. It's very upsetting and I don't know what to do. I can't afford to fill all the holes just yet and I think the damage is already done.

Would really appreciate any insight or reassurance, although I'm not sure there is any good news here.