Pulmonary Fibrosis |
Asbestos exposure06/20/2008 |
I may have been exposed to asbestos when a small section of plaster wall (six square feet) from a house built in the 1920`s was removed. This work was done in a bathroom, so the area is small and enclosed. There wasn`t much dust, but I cleaned a thin layer of dust off the counter and floor with a shop vacuum for 5 minutes, causing any fibers to become airborne. I then left the site and returned the next day to continue with the remodel. What is my risk factor for lung disease from this action? Please advise. Thank you.
The risk of a brief (5 minute) and low level exposure is extremely low and should not pose concern for future lung health.
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James N Allen, Jr, MD Clinical Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine College of Medicine The Ohio State University |