Hello and thanks for posting,

I am sorry to hear that you worry about your health.

Many people do contact us with enquiries similar to yours about asbestos and I can appreciate, that once you may have read something about asbestos, it can become a worry.

However, It's worth remembering that asbestos is a very common substance and most people are exposed to a very small amount of asbestos fibres in their lives , yet asbestos related diseases are uncommon. So if you can, try and not get overly worried by this. Low levels are present in our environment as it can be found in air and soil and yet very few people become ill - those who do, are exposed to higher levels in the work place over a very long period of time.

It's our understanding that the highest risk group of people at risk of getting an asbestos related cancer like mesothelioma (which is still quite a rare cancer) are those who have been exposed to asbestos while working in manufacturing, construction and engineering using asbestos. This could be over a period of time of 20,30 or 40 years.

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.

Health anxiety is exhausting so if you are finding it is affecting your everyday life then it may be helpful to talk through how you are feeling with your GP. They may suggest some talking therapies which you can read about on the NHS website here

The NHS have also produced some information called 'Every Mind Matters' which has tips on how to help cope with anxiety. Have a look here

I do hope that this has helped reassure you.

All the Best,

Catherine