Asbestos fears

I have severe OCD that’s hyperfocused on asbestos at the moment.

My partner works for insurance companies for large, complex loss claims on houses. He accidentally told me this morning that sometimes it include asbestos. He does have PPE he can wear and a cotton/ paper overalls to protect his clothes but I think he typically goes to the houses post flood, fire etc. when there’s a fire he wears a mask and a hard hat in case of any falling debris. 

My biggest fear is that he’s brought fibres home on his clothes (clothes have never been visibly dirty or dusty), has brought them back to the house and then we’ve washed them and they’ve contaminated the rest of our clothes including my 3 year old toddler.

he has told me he does not go anywhere where there is suspected breach ACM but how can he be sure? My brain is working overtime and I’m convinced my son is going to develop the every worst cancer possible : meothelioma. What’s the likelihood? Should I throw all our produce and soft furnishings away? 

  • Hi Lauren

    The chances of you husband or any of your household getting cancer from asbestos exposure is near zero. It affects mainly those working with asbestos day in and day out for decades. One of the OCD forums is possibly a better place to discuss your concerns plus of course your husband. Dont unneccessarily throw out your perfectly safe soft furnishings. 

    Ed

  • Thank you so much. How do I change it? I’m so sorry, I’m just so consumed by asbestos. I’m receiving all the support I can from mental health professionals but I’m convinced every day my son’s future has been shortened 

  • HI Lauren

    Im glad that you are receiving support for your OCD. It is natural for parents to worry about their children but asbestos should be the least of your worries about your little boy. If you search this forum you will find lots of discussions on this subject with everyone agreeing asbestos is not a problem unless you have lifetime exposure to working with it.

    Ed

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I expect a lot of people have had occasional exposure to asbestos without coming to any harm. So try if you can not to be overly worried about this. 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.

    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 also read more about this on the British Lung Cancer Foundation website.

    There is no need to throw your produce or soft furnishings away.

    I hope this helps and remember you can always ring your GP if you still feel concerned. I wonder if you have any support with managing your OCD. If you haven't or if you feel it's getting worse then do speak to your GP when you get the chance. You can also give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

  • Thank you so much Celene.

    I have booked another GP appointment today but in all honesty, it all feels so pointless and useless.  I’m endlessly seeking reassurance and I feel there’s not much they can or are willing to do for me.

    Ive been referred for level 3 therapy but I need so much more support and they’re just not equipped to deal with it. I’m a bit at a loss for what to do