How to Stop Worrying About Asbestos | Asbestos Anxiety Tips

Find out how to stop worrying about asbestos while staying safe and maintaining peace of mind.

Asbestos exposure is the No. 1 cause of work-related deaths around the world. It can lead to some of the deadliest diseases, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Shockingly, around 90,000 people die every year due to asbestos-related diseases.

The above facts are enough to send shivers down anyone's spine who is already concerned about asbestos. However, those are only one side of the picture.

Asbestos-related deaths are not even close to the other common causes of death. The leading cause of death globally is Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Even diabetes causes far more deaths than asbestos-related disease and was responsible for 6.7 million deaths worldwide in 2021. 

Asbestos is undoubtedly a dangerous substance, and it's possible that it may be present in your surroundings. But this does not mean that you are automatically exposed to asbestos or that you will develop an asbestos-related disease. 

When Should You Be Worried About Asbestos?

The risk of developing an asbestos-related disease depends on several factors, and you should be concerned about asbestos if;

• You have been exposed to asbestos fibers in the air for a long time or repeatedly, especially if you smoke or have a pre-existing lung disease.

• You work in an occupation that involves handling or processing asbestos or asbestos-containing products, such as mining, construction, manufacturing, or shipbuilding.

• You live or work in an older building that has damaged or deteriorating materials that may contain asbestos, such as insulation, tiles, cement, or pipes.

• You have been involved in a natural disaster or an accident that has damaged or disturbed asbestos materials, such as an earthquake, a fire, or a collision.

• You have traveled or lived in areas where asbestos is naturally occurring or widely used, such as Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.

 

Facts That Can Help You Stop Worrying About Asbestos

If you are worried about asbestos without any of the above reasons, it may help to know some facts that can reassure you and reduce your anxiety.

Here is the other side of the picture:

1. Asbestos is regulated and banned in many countries

Many countries have banned or restricted the use, production, and trade of asbestos and asbestos-containing products since the 1980s after discovering its health risks. As of 2022, over 67 countries have restricted or prohibited its use.

2. Having asbestos in your home is not a serious problem

Asbestos is not present in every building and is not used in new construction materials. Houses built after the 1980s in the US and after 2000 in the UK are less likely to contain asbestos. 

Even if asbestos is present in your home, this is usually NOT a serious problem. Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed or damaged, and its fibers become airborne. If asbestos is in good condition and not disturbed, it is unlikely to pose a health risk.

3. Asbestos exposure does not always lead to disease

One-time exposure to asbestos is rarely harmful. Asbestos-related diseases are usually caused by months or years of regular workplace exposure. Also, the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease depends on the amount of asbestos, frequency, and duration of exposure, as well as other factors such as smoking, genetics, and the immune system. 

Moreover, Asbestos-related diseases are not contagious, meaning you cannot catch mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer from someone who has developed these diseases.

4. Asbestos-related diseases are preventable

Asbestos-related diseases are preventable if you avoid asbestos exposure. You need to educate yourself about where asbestos may be hiding. An asbestos awareness course can help you identify the potential locations where asbestos may be found and how to prevent exposure. 

Also, asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period. This means that they can take 10 to 50 years or more to develop after the first exposure. This also means that you have time to monitor your health and seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms or signs of disease. 

Key Steps to Stop Worrying About Asbestos

While being concerned about your health and safety is normal, excessive worrying can negatively affect your mental and physical well-being. Therefore, it is important to learn how to cope with your asbestos anxiety and take practical steps to reduce your risk of asbestos exposure. The following are the key steps that can help you stop worrying about asbestos.

1. Educate yourself about asbestos

One of the best ways to overcome your fear of asbestos is to educate yourself about what it is, where it is found, how it affects your health, and how you can protect yourself from it. By learning more about asbestos, you can better understand the risks and benefits of different actions, such as testing, removal, or management of asbestos materials. You can also avoid falling prey to myths, misinformation, or scams that may increase your anxiety or harm your health.

An asbestos awareness course can help you gain essential knowledge to prevent accidental exposure. You can find many reputable and affordable asbestos awareness courses online, such as the Asbestos Awareness Course offered by Alison.

2. Assess your risk of asbestos exposure

Not all asbestos materials are equally dangerous or require immediate action. Some asbestos materials are more likely to release fibers into the air than others, depending on their condition, location, and disturbance. For example, friable asbestos materials (that are easily crumbled or pulverized) pose a higher risk of exposure than asbestos materials that are non-friable (hard or bonded).

Find out if there is asbestos in your home or workplace and if it is in good condition or not. If you suspect or confirm that there is asbestos, contact a qualified professional to inspect, test, and report on asbestos materials. A professional asbestos inspector can also advise you on the best course of action to take, whether it is to leave the asbestos materials alone, repair them, encapsulate them, or remove them.

3. Take preventive and protective measures

Avoid disturbing or damaging asbestos-containing materials. If you have to work with or around asbestos, follow the safety guidelines and regulations. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, and suits. Dispose of asbestos waste properly and safely. The safest approach is to avoid DIY asbestos projects and leave them to the professionals. 

4. Monitor your health and get regular check-ups

Even if you have taken steps to prevent or reduce your risk of asbestos exposure, you should still monitor your health and get regular check-ups from your doctor. Early detection and treatment can improve your prognosis and quality of life. 

Quit smoking, as smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and other diseases caused by asbestos. 

5. Seek professional help for your asbestos anxiety

Asbestos anxiety can interfere with your daily life, such as your work, relationships, hobbies, and happiness. It can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, insomnia, or heart palpitations. Therefore, you should seek professional help for your anxiety if it is affecting your well-being and functioning. Talk to your family, friends, or someone you trust about your worries and feelings. Share your concerns and fears and ask for their support and understanding.

You can also join a support group or a community of people who have similar experiences or problems. You can find online or offline groups that offer information, advice, counseling, and emotional support for people who are worried about asbestos.

6. Practice relaxation techniques

One of the most effective and natural ways to cope with asbestos anxiety is to practice relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques are simple and easy methods that can help you calm your mind and body, reduce your stress, and enhance your mood.  Some of the common relaxation techniques are meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. You can also engage in activities that make you happy and calm, such as hobbies, sports, music, or art. 

7. Focus on the positive aspects of your life

The last and perhaps the most important step to stop worrying about asbestos is to focus on the positive aspects of your life. Worrying about asbestos can make you feel hopeless, helpless, and unhappy, and also prevent you from enjoying and appreciating the good things in your life, such as your family, friends, hobbies, achievements, and dreams.

Therefore, you should try to shift your attention and attitude from the negative to the positive, and cultivate a sense of gratitude, optimism, and happiness. 

Conclusion

Understanding and managing asbestos anxiety involves a balanced approach. While asbestos poses health risks, it's crucial to recognize that not everyone around it will develop related diseases. Awareness, risk assessment, preventive measures, and regular health monitoring are key in minimizing risks. It's important to seek professional guidance, practice relaxation techniques, and focus on the positives in life to mitigate excessive worry about asbestos. 

Balancing awareness with practical steps can help individuals navigate concerns surrounding asbestos while maintaining peace of mind and reducing unnecessary anxiety.