I have come across this discussion after googling about asbestos and decorating -  I have had worries about asbestos in the past but have managed to try to put it all in perspective and forget about it but at times it does come back in to mind  as this has happened following stripping wallpaper from one of my rooms. Firstly I feel for Deedee and felt very upset for her  as I know what it is like to be in such a high state of anxiety and I do hope that she gets peace of mind soon. I would like to know from Daniel if possible which Charity he contacted as I would like to get some of my thoughts off my chest . I have held all this inside my own head for  only on occasions letting my worries out but I think it is coming back and want to talk to someone just to get a more rational view.

Hi Daniel,

I just found your post after searching online. I too have had some recent substantial exposure to asbestos and have been a wreck for days. Would it be possible to also receive the information you received from the leading researcher? I would be grateful for the name of the charity too. 
 

Many thanks for your help. 
 

Jon

Hi Daniel, 

me too, I removed marly titles from my ground floor and and scrabbled the floor (with a hepa filter vacuum (dust was minimal)). 70% of the bitumin was covered with floor levelling compound before laying the new underlay and floor. As this took three month to do for both areas I am too worried about my asbestos exposure and cancer risk as I was living in the property. My father and I didn’t know they were asbestos, im making myself ill with worry, am I worrying for no reason. Where are you getting your information from?

cheers, 

Thank you Lolo22.  I am still a wreck but have been avoiding the internet regarding anything to do with asbestos. I have really bad days and some just bad days. I don't think I will ever settle now. Thank you for your thoughts x

Hi Daniel and Deedee,

I feel for you both. I too have been through this since renovating a house a few years ago and pulling down some coving completely unaware that the textured ceiling it was pulling down chunks of may have contained asbestos. It was subsequently skimmed over and there are no hopes of getting it tested so living under a big question mark now as to whether it was or wasn't. I had no mask on either to boot :cry: . Since then I have days of anxiety so intense that I would spend days googling for some kind of information that would put my mind at rest, then will forget about it for weeks at a time but something be it seeing an old garage roof or recently a label in a building marking something as asbestos will trigger it again.

I still get massive bouts of worry and this is again why I find myself on the Internet at 4am looking for answers, it put such a strain on the relationship with my partner  as I can get quite obsessed looking for answers when I should have been focused on home life. Luckily my son wasn't born at the time this happened but I still panic that because of a single silly mistake I could leave him fatherless long before he should go through that.

I have found talking with a counsellor helps get some perspective on this but its so hard not to let the negative thoughts creep back in. I try to think of how many people have come in to contact multiple times with the stuff and been just fine and that helps.

That being said I would also like to read what the professor shared with you as there is so much misinformation on the net by either pro asbestos companies or companies profiting from asbestos abatement its difficult to see the wood for the trees! Would really appreciate it if you wouldn't mind sharing it with me also as it sounds to me as if you have have had some sound impartial advice?

I'm sorry you are going through the same thing. I too cannot clear my head of these thoughts, especially still living here and thinking there may be fibres left around the house or in my clothes, my cupboards, washing machine and tumble dryer, it just goes on and on. Especially with my baby boy here with me. This fear, guilt, anger inside is just unbearable. I don't think i will ever find peace now. 

I'm worried sick about white esbestos exposer atm, had a small bit of artex flaking off in the corner of a wall, mum would occasionally brush up the the very few small fakes and thow it away over the last year or so, I didn't learn about it until recently and I've been in a right state, I feel for you but the replies seem reassuring :) hope you feel better about it now

Hi Daniel, I'm in a similar position, absolutely terrified of asbestos exposure. Would it be possible to also receive the info you mentioned from the senior asbestos professor? I'm desperate for any good information I can get right now!

I am also worried sick about my asbestos exposure and was wondering if anyone had any advice in regards to this.

Our ceiling was drilled into to fix a water pipe by a plumber who didn't realise there was artex beneath the plaster on our ceiling. We weren't aware of this either, however, the ceiling collapsed futher that night causing a lot of dust so we got it tested. It came positive for white asbestos. Due to the pandemic, the ceiling was left for a good 5/6 weeks unattended, until it was finally plastered up again. 

We have now had the carpet deep cleaned to get rid of any remaining fibers but I feel so sick and worried about the possible exposure we have had. I really hope this doesn't affect me and my family.