Cancer risk from asbestos
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5 posts since
Hi
I would really appreciate some advice as I am quite worried. I recently installed 10 downlights in my artex ceiling . It’s an extension from 1990. I didn’t realise there was an asbestos risk so just used a hole cutter no mask and away I went. There was no warnings on the downlights about installing so assumed it was just plaster dust. Now reading about artex from a comment from a friend, I am really worried. Am I likely to develop cancer? I’m in my 40s.
1065 posts since
Hi and thanks for posting
Many people worry about similar situations when they’ve been doing some diy.
Although some artex may have asbestos, you won’t know whether your ceiling had it. It’s also worth remembering that asbestos is still a very common substance and most people are exposed to a very small amount of asbestos fibres in their lives and yet asbestos related diseases are rare. So if you can ,try not to be overly worried.
It’s our understanding that the highest risk group of people at risk of getting an asbestos related cancer like mesothelioma (which is still quite a rare cancer) are those who have been exposed to asbestos for long periods of time. This could be over 20,30 or 40 years.
It’s worth bearing in mind that praCTically everyone is exposed to asbestos and that low levels are present in our environment as it can be found in air and soil and yet very few people become ill.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (which is really about health and safety at work), short term exposures with asbestos will most likely have led to minimal exposure to fibres and is very unlikely to have any long-term ill health effeCTs.
Try and not worry about this one off occurrence and put it to the back of your mind. You can always ring the GP if you still have any concerns about this.
All the best
Wanda
5 posts since
Thank you, I appreciate the reply, the concern was really around using the power drill which causes a lot of dust. Thank you
11 posts since
Artex made after 1985 did not contain asbestos. So whilst it is still possible old stock could be installed up until the ban in 1999 it is unlikely that your 1990s extension contained asbestos. If you really want to know for sure you can arrange for a sample to be taken.
5 posts since
Thank you the replies have been reassuring. Take care everyone
Cancer risk from asbestos
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