Understanding Short-Term Asbestos Exposure: Risks, Latency, and Health Implications

[@yourdaysbebright4738]

Thank you for your clear and fact-based explanation on short-term exposure risks. I especially like having good information on measuring/understanding exposure levels and symptom timelines, and your logical presentation of that information is appreciated.

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

Thank you so much!

[@aliturk6692]

One of the most informative channels regarding asbestos. You don’t fear monger and explain the risks pretty well. Overall a great source of information.

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

Really appreciate it. And yes, I try to keep things in a sane perspective.

[@nandii_8850]

Thank you, Ive been going through an asbestos scare because a vinyl sheet floor my we tore out of a room in a house we renovated. We werent living at this house, but to make things worse my dad sanded the black stuff under the sheet floor with a sander. My only hope is that my family will be okay because he only sanded a little less then half of it while we were there, and it also didn’t create too much dust because the sander had a built in vacuum that appeared to catch most of the dust. Im sure we were exposed that day to asbestos, but my hope is that it doesn’t increase our odds of lung cancer too much since it was only one day, one small room worth vinyl floor, and one section of the floor sanded while we weren’t in the room with my dad who was wearing an n-95. Im most worried for my dad honestly, but also for myself and me and the rest of my family. My mom was exposed as much as me, and even my little brother and sister may have been exposed a bit. I just really hope we will be alright, the latency period is the most terrifying thing ever.

[@LaserRifle]

I know. I am scared of mesothelioma and any other asbestos related disease because of the long latency period. It instills too much fear and anxiety.

[@nandii_8850]

​@LaserRifle Mesothelioma is probably not the biggest worry since it's very rare even for people exposed to lots of asbestos. What really scares me a whole bunch is lung cancer. That being said the odds of getting sick from a one time exposure are low according to my doctor and the internet as a whole, it's just uncomfortable to realize that low risk doesn't mean no risk, but we still probably have much higher chance of dying in a car accident so... just gotta life life I suppose.

[@LaserRifle]

@@nandii_8850 Even for lung cancer, is the risk low from the rare amphibole asbestos exposure?

[@nandii_8850]

@@LaserRifle it's probably higher for amphibole, but amphibole is also normally less common.

[@LaserRifle]

@@nandii_8850 In Australia, blue asbestos is very common and they had a large mining operation in Perth. In the US, they had a vermiculite mine in Libby Montana that was contaminated with serious amphibole asbestos. I was working at a reno house and I was the only one with a respirator and my coworkers tore the ceiling up and all this Libby Vermiculite fell from the ceiling like a waterfall. I worry about the guys who didn't have a respirator. I also threw old bags of these out without a respirator before the event above but that was when I knew nothing about Zonolite vermiculite. This makes me worried.

[@kuka721]

I was in a room with damaged laminal floor, that was asbestos, for one day. It does probably not differ from other experiences in life, that are considered "near death". You move on, and you keep as advice from that barkeeper in that film "Passengers" "live a little". I am only 24. So now maybe i pass at 34. What should it be? It is always the looking forward, and not the looking backward. Between "consideration" and effort there is a big different. Cheers.

[@huntertrahan8618]

I was near a building implosion, outside of the exclusion zone about 1000 feet away. But on my way back to my care the dust cloud of the implosion got to me and i had to walk in the dust cloud for a few minutes with my shirt over my face but still had to take some breathes on the walk back soo it was a brief exposure. I was alittle worried but after watching this video im alot less worried.

[@huntertrahan8618]

On way back to my car not care

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

@@huntertrahan8618 Yes I don't think you need to be overly concerned based on what you told me. I wouldn't recommend doing that again of course. =) Be well.

[@camerongrubbs8876]

I was in a crawl space for 8/9 hours and the foam board around the whole crawl was asbestos we removed it all with only n95 mask will I be okay I also took mask off but we didn’t know till after my co workers had no mask on

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. I'm sorry to hear about what you went through-it’s understandable to feel concerned after discovering the material may have contained asbestos. You should be pragmatic about the experience but I also would not be overly concerned if it was me. Here’s what you need to know: Exposure Risk: If the foam board contained asbestos and was disturbed during removal, there’s a chance that fibers became airborne. N95 masks can offer some protection, but they are not designed to filter out asbestos fibers, which are extremely small. Unfortunately, taking off the mask would have increased the potential risk of inhaling asbestos particles. Health Effects: Asbestos-related illnesses, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, typically develop after repeated or prolonged exposure, but even a single exposure carries some risk. None of my clients got sick from one single exposure that I know of, however, so please keep that in mind. Next Steps: Consult a Doctor: I recommend discussing this incident with your doctor. They can document your potential exposure and may suggest monitoring your health with regular check-ups or imaging studies. Track Your Work History: If this exposure happened at work, it’s important to document the event, including dates, locations, and materials involved, in case it’s needed in the future. Avoid Further Exposure: Take precautions to minimize additional exposure to asbestos, especially in your line of work. Proper equipment, such as P100 respirators and safe work practices, is crucial. I hope this helps provide some clarity. If you’d like more information about asbestos exposure or the steps you can take, feel free to reach out or explore the resources available on my website. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and there are ways to protect your health moving forward. Take care, Justinian

[@4johnybravo]

I had a freak exposure to asbestos helping a friend paint her house, she had exterior asbestos siding tiles and i didnt know it, i sanded one side of her house with a power sander and while 95% of the time i did have a sealed p100 respirator on made by 3M that sealed around my face very well but i also have facial scruff so the masked wasnt 100% sealed and i did on occation take it off for a small break on occation to drink some water and take a breather with the mask off so i know i had to have breathed in some particles though the amount of asbestos may have been small any amount scares me and now im going on hour 3 of researching asbestos scared to death im going to get mesothelioma in 10 years and die..

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

I understand your concern, and it's natural to feel anxious after being potentially exposed to asbestos. It’s important to remember that the risk of developing mesothelioma from a single, brief exposure to asbestos is generally low. The risk increases with longer or repeated exposures, especially in an occupational setting. Remember, mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and brief exposures-especially with some level of respiratory protection-significantly lower the risk compared to chronic occupational exposures. It’s good that you were using a P100 respirator, as this type of respirator can effectively block asbestos fibers when worn correctly. I made a video about single exposures that outlines more of my thoughts and the science behind the issue here. It is a short segment from a longer Asbestos 101 series I made. It may help waylay some of your concerns as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIeroqOgpZJ8l68

[@4johnybravo]

@asbestosclaimslaw Thank you for Allleviating some on my concerns!

[@scottklees5640]

Hi Justinian, thanks for the information. I have a couple of questions related to a home disaster. A very large doug fir fell through my roof in an ice storm. Roughly 30’ x 10’ section of ceiling came crashing to the floor of my home. Though I had had someone test for asbestos in my house a couple of years ago and all tests came back negative, a more recent test during the renovation came back as 2-3% friable chrysotile in the ceiling pieces. The majority of the debris that fell, I cleaned up over the course of a couple of weeks as I still lived in another section of the house. I used a respirator but did not believe there was asbestos present and so was not super cautious about being there. And I didn’t go out of my way to protect my clothing. And I salvaged what I could from the living room, kitchen, dining areas like rugs, a leather couch, a velvet chair, a wool blanket. Some of those had bits of the ceiling on them. The non asbestos insulation was everywhere and I vacuumed that up. Here are my questions. Would you consider that an intense exposure? Should I discard any of the things that I salvaged or any/all of the things that were in the house at that time (due to secondary exposure)? And now that I getting ready to move back in how concerned should I be about the spaces that were not damaged including wall to wall carpeting in the basement? Finally is there any way to test for levels of exposure in the body rather than just monitoring current health? Thanks for your content and efforts to bring accountability to the industry that spreads this toxic poison into our lives.

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

First off, I’m really sorry to hear about the damage and the stress of this situation. Here are some answers to your questions in the order you asked them: First, regarding exposure intensity, cleaning up without full asbestos precautions could be considered a moderate exposure, especially with friable chrysotile. However, the risk depends on how much dust became airborne and how often you were exposed. Given the relative brevity of your exposure, I would personally not be overly concerned (I would not, however, do it again). Items like rugs, furniture, and blankets that had ceiling pieces on them may carry asbestos fibers. It’s safest to discard porous items like rugs or fabric chairs, as asbestos fibers can be difficult to fully remove. Hard surfaces like leather can potentially be cleaned thoroughly, but ask yourself whether the effort is worth it. Areas not directly impacted may still have some airborne fibers settle in them, particularly on carpets. I'd recommend a professional asbestos air test to check the safety of undamaged rooms. Unfortunately, there isn't a direct test to determine asbestos levels in the body. The common approach is regular health monitoring, including chest X-rays or CT scans, to check for any asbestos-related changes. It's also helpful to stay in touch with a doctor experienced in occupational/environmental health for regular check-ups. But, again, I don't think you need to be overly stressed The vast majority of asbestos-related illnesses develop years after regular and substantial exposure. If you have any further questions or need more specific guidance, feel free to reach out.

[@scottklees5640]

@@asbestosclaimslaw I really appreciate the information and quick response. I contacted the company that did the testing and they had similar advice. They also recommended discarding textiles and testing the rest of the house - or having it cleaned by an abatement company, then tested. I reached out to my contractor to see if the insurance will cover it. I’ll likely replace the basement carpet too. Thank you!

[@James-bv4nu]

I had a similar experience about 3 months ago. Also had concerns. (popcorn ceiling fell down) An abatement company opinion was: consider porous surface (fabric, clothes, carpet) contaminated. Non-porous surface (wood furniture, stainless steel appliance) not contaminated. Just for the hell of it, I cut out patches from the furniture cushions, clothes, mattress, bedspread, curtain, etc.) and sent them off to lab to test. About 15 samples. All came back negative.

[@shehreenpandani2936]

My bf works in merchant navy ..they were containing industrial grade asbestos..He was exposed for 30 min ..now he has very dry cough sour throat..and pain in his chest .. well he be ok? I am really worried.

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

I'm sorry to hear about your boyfriend's exposure and his symptoms-it's understandable to be concerned. Exposure to asbestos, even briefly, can sometimes cause irritation, especially if it was industrial-grade asbestos, as the dust and fibers can be harsh on the respiratory system. However, health effects from asbestos typically develop over long-term exposure and are usually latent, meaning they take many years to appear. I would not be overly concerned if it was me, though he can certainly speak to a doctor about tracking lung health over the coming decades.

[@beskabl]

I’m from Mexico and my water container is still made of asbestos, everyone in my family had been washing or bathing with that water all our life, would I be worried?

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

It's understandable to be concerned, but asbestos exposure through water alone is less well-established as a risk than inhalation of asbestos fibers. The most dangerous form of asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are disturbed, become airborne, and are then inhaled, which can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. However, there are a few important factors to consider: Condition of the Asbestos: If the asbestos in the water container is intact and not deteriorating, the risk of asbestos fibers being released into the water is lower. But if the material has started to break down, there’s a greater chance of asbestos fibers contaminating the water. Exposure Pathways: Ingesting asbestos fibers in water has not been definitively linked to the same risks as inhaling asbestos. Still, long-term exposure may contribute to health risks, though this is less well-documented than the dangers of inhaling fibers. Cumulative Exposure: Since asbestos-related diseases often result from cumulative exposure over many years, if your family has been in contact with this asbestos-containing material over a long period, it would be wise to have it assessed. What You Can Do: Testing the Water: Have the water tested for asbestos fibers. If asbestos fibers are detected, it’s recommended to avoid using that water for drinking, cooking, or bathing until the issue is resolved. Replacing the Container: If possible, replace the asbestos-containing container with a safer, non-asbestos alternative to prevent future risk. Consult with a Health Professional: If you're worried about health impacts, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional for asbestos exposure screening. While the health risks from asbestos in water are still debated, taking precautions is always wise. If you'd like more detailed information or help in handling this situation, feel free to reach out!

[@thomassvenlin1457]

Thank you for this very informative video, loved it 👏😊

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

My pleasure

[@johnhein2539]

I have some tape that's crumbling on my ducts in my basement. It left some fibers on my water heater. I worked out with free weights down in my basement for years. I'm worried I have some exposure and have shortened my lifespan. I never touched or worked with the stuff, but still see that dust which the inspector said they were 99% sure was asbestos and the tastes came back positive for the tape. I'm about to have it all cleared away by some pros. Is it unlikely because I wasn't working with it or disturbing it, or would being in the same room as it 6 hours a week be that dangerous?

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

It's understandable to be concerned about asbestos exposure, especially after finding out that asbestos-containing materials are present in your home. Please keep in mind that, generally, asbestos is most dangerous when its fibers are disturbed and become airborne, which can occur during activities such as renovations, repairs, or significant disturbances to the material. In your case, the asbestos was in tape on ductwork and not directly disturbed by your activities such as working out. If the asbestos-containing tape was not being actively disturbed (e.g., through direct handling, maintenance work on the ducts, or other activities that could cause the fibers to become airborne), then the risk of significant exposure would be lower compared to a scenario where asbestos materials are being manipulated or removed. However, asbestos fibers can be very small and can remain in the air for a long time if they are indeed disturbed and become airborne. Spending extended periods in the vicinity of disturbed asbestos can increase the risk of inhalation. Given that the fibers were found on surfaces like your water heater, there was likely some level of disturbance, though the extent of airborne exposure would depend on various factors, such as the condition of the asbestos and the nature of the disturbance. Having the asbestos professionally removed is a critical step in mitigating any further risk. Licensed professionals will use methods designed to safely handle and contain asbestos, significantly reducing the likelihood of fiber release during removal. For peace of mind, it might also be beneficial to discuss your concerns and exposure details with a medical professional. They can provide guidance on health monitoring and what symptoms to watch for, although symptoms related to asbestos exposure often take many years to develop. Regular check-ups and reporting any new or unusual respiratory symptoms promptly are practical steps in looking after your health. While it's unlikely that limited passive exposure in an undisturbed environment would pose a significant health risk, taking the situation seriously, as you are doing by arranging for professional removal, is the best approach.

[@johnhein2539]

@@asbestosclaimslaw Thank you for your thorough, informative answer. I will be having the asbestos removed by some professionals the first week of next month. It's good that I'm probably fine, but will keep an eye on it and let my doctor know to do the same, otherwise I'll keep planning to live the good long life we all hope for.

[@Array8]

I think I'm going to live. Thank you so much. You've eased my worries significantly. I had a 3 hr or so exposure without a mask. Working with asbestos insulation like an idiot. Dust particles in the air. I'm not doing that again ever. Next time, I don't care if people tease me about wearing a mask. They can kick the bucket early. Hopefully I'll still be well.

[@asbestosclaimslaw]

Anybody who teases you about being safe and responsible is not someone whose opinion you need to care much about.