Asbestos worry

So my cat disappeared and somehow managed to get into the attic eaves and was wandering around up there while I was out looking for her. There’s quite a bit of insulation in there and it looks like the asbestos type (it is candyfloss looking and grey as it is covered in dust with random bits of board in). 

I coaxed her out with food and she came out covered in black dust. I tried to wash most of it off but she doesn’t like being washed. I’m now worried about the asbestos and whether it could be on her still and spreading around the house. 

Obviously, I washed her and towel dried her. Should I throw my clothes away? And the towel? Will washing remove the asbestos from my cat? Is it likely to spread fibres around the house?

I’ve been on google but there doesn’t seem to be any advice. 

So worried I can’t sleep!

  • Hi Anna,

    Firstly, I'm really sorry to hear about your worries, I have also been experiencing this and I know how difficult it can be. Has your attic been tested for asbestos? If so, I wouldn't class this as a large risk purely because it was a one-off exposure. Usually asbestos is binded into other mateirals so it would be quite rare for the dust to just be lying around if there was no prior work done to it. 

    Even if it was asbestos, please try not to worry. In most cases, asbestos-related diseases occur after pro-longed periods with a high level of asbestos. I don't think it is necessary to throw away the towels, clothes etc but for peace of mind, I would get your attic checked for asbestos by a qualified professional 

    I really hope this helps :)