Asbestos mistake

4 weeks ago I sought help to fix a problem in my garage. A family member that I trust advised that we should remove part of a wall that looked like plaster board as part of this fix. I was present while they happily cut into the wall with a small power tool. 

 

Shortly afterwards it was discovered that the wall could have been asbestos insulation boards. In my ignorance I didn't know much about asbestos frustratingly. A test has confirmed that the boards are AIB. I have since made the area safe and had quotes to remove the material properly by qualified companies. 
 

I know the internet is full of good information and in this instance lots of scary information but I think I've read all of it ten times over in relation to this topic. I've spoken to the gp and even had a few sessions with a cognitive therapist in a effort to quieten my brain. Nothing seems to be helping. 
 

I now know how dangerous this incident was and the effects it might have on me. Oddly the family member has shrugged it off and has shown no concerns whatsoever. I pray these effects do not show up for a long time but my brain has decided that I've effectively given myself a death sentence. So much so that since reading all the expected symptoms shortly afterwards my chest has tightened and I constantly find myself checking my ability to breath freely.
 

Does anyone have advice on how to move past this state of mind? It's creating a real problem in my relationships, I'm not sleeping and I find myself distant from the young family I enjoyed only a month ago. 
 

 

Parents
  • Hi Abc01,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat and I'm sorry to read about this incident and your worries.

    Risks associated with asbestos exposure tend to be much greater for those who have been exposed to large amounts of it and over a very long period of time - so try not to worry too much about this small exposure.

    You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses about this, as they will be able to advise further. You can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    I would suggest avoiding continuing to look things up online about this as a lot of the information is unlikely to be relevant or helpful and may only increase the worry.

    All the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

Reply
  • Hi Abc01,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat and I'm sorry to read about this incident and your worries.

    Risks associated with asbestos exposure tend to be much greater for those who have been exposed to large amounts of it and over a very long period of time - so try not to worry too much about this small exposure.

    You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses about this, as they will be able to advise further. You can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    I would suggest avoiding continuing to look things up online about this as a lot of the information is unlikely to be relevant or helpful and may only increase the worry.

    All the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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