A couple of months ago, I had an electrician come to fix my electrical panel and during the process, he accidentally broke an eternit board indoors. At first, I didn't know how to handle asbestos, so I vacuumed up the dust and small pieces from the broken board using a regular vacuum, which doesn't have a HEPA filter and even has holes in the bag. Afterward, I learned that this can spread asbestos fibers throughout the house. I've been worried that I might have released asbestos fibers when I cleaned and used my vacuum in different parts of my home. I ran two air purifiers with regular HEPA filters and had windows open for ventilation, but I've since learned that I should have used HEPA-13 filters and maintained negative pressure while ventilating. I feel like my efforts might have made things worse. I live with OCD and have concerns about someone else potentially moving in with me. Even though I understand the risk might be low, I'm anxious about whether I've contaminated my living space, especially since I have a very expensive bed and other furnishings. I'm reaching out for honest advice on how to address this situation and how to mitigate any risks for others. I'd appreciate input from professionals familiar with the risks involved and recommendations for companies I could contact in Sweden.
2 Answers
Hey there, I totally get why you’re freaking out, but try to take a deep breath. Those working with asbestos daily are at much higher risk than someone who broke one board. Yes, it’s true that just one fiber could be harmful, but the odds are really low for exposure from a single incident like yours. If it’s stressing you out, hiring an abatement company for air testing could give you peace of mind. They can assess your home and let you know if there’s anything to worry about. Just keep in mind that even in really poor conditions, we’re exposed to tiny amounts of asbestos all the time without issue. You’ve got this!
I know this can feel overwhelming, but try to remember that the chances of serious harm from just one broken board are really low. You did the right thing by getting rid of your vacuum, as that could indeed have caused more issues. Consider reaching out to a specialized asbestos abatement team for thorough testing. They might suggest air quality tests or even assess your furniture and textiles. Cleaning surfaces is good, but having a pro look at it could really help ease your mind!
Good suggestion! If you get an abatement company in, they might offer advice on how to deal with specific items in your house, like your bed.
Exactly! Plus, if you get those tests done, they’ll help you understand if there’s any real risk so you can stop worrying so much. Just focus on getting a professional to help.