Asbestos - Help

I found out about two months ago that a builder I was working with 4 years ago had illegally removed some asbestos insulation from an old mill. I was working at a house renovation and new nothing about it until about two months ago when an old colleague told me about it.

The asbestos was dumped in the skip which I regularly used for waste from a house I was working on.My fear also is that a dust sheet and some tools which was stored at this mill would have been taken home and exposed my whole family.

My biggest fear is that the dust sheet would have contaminated my whole house but with this being 4 years ago I really don't know where to start. I'm not sure I can even test after such a period.

I've been suffering from severe asthma for over 3 years and it is only until now that I'm putting the puzzle together in my head. I'm stressed and now suffering from horrendous anxiety and depression and not slept properly in two months.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

Your posting did not contain a question per say so, how about I asked a few questions to continue the conversation.

1. How old are you?
2. How severe is your asthma? How many medications do you take every day? How many times each week do you have symptoms of wheezing?
3. Are you a current or past smoker?
4. Where did you store the dust sheet after you returned home (garage, truck, etc)?
5. Did you use your home washer and dryer to clean the sheet?
6. What type of work do you do now? And, what type of work did you do 3-5 years ago? (Demolition, remodeling, construction, masonry, etc).

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical or legal advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[richardw417]

I'm 43, my asthma is severe, currently on 400mg of clenil, ventolin 3 times a day and 6 5 mg steroid tablets.

Never smoked.

The dust sheet would have been in the van, house and washer and drier as I regular clean them.

I'm a heating engineer / plumber.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello again,

In general, it is unlikely that you contaminated your entire house.

When were you diagnosed with asthma? There are many, many factors that affect asthma and its symptoms. Dust, mold, and other airborne particles (such as asbestos) can increase asthma symptoms.

Please reply with specific questions that you might have.


~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical or legal advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.