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About Michael Dean
Expertise
Can answer
General information on the causes of cancer and cancer prevention.
Information on current cancer research and breakthroughs.
The genetics of cancer
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience
Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations
American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications
Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials
PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors
Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Medical Specialists > Oncology (General Cancer) > asbestos/mesothelioma
Expert: Michael Dean - 11/2/2009
Question
Hello I have a lengthy kind o odd question. I should start off saying I suffer severe OCD. So here goes a week ago at a new job a co worker cut a fire door in half and it contained amosite asbestos the amphibole type. Now this was unknown until cut into and we were outdoors . However i did handle the door and throw it to the side as i was told by my boss. I then went home and removed all item of aparrel and threw them away . But this part is where the
ocd is starting to kick in the next day i returned to work and on the way home that particular day i had to pick up my son . Now i am convinced I have contaminated my car and apartment and we will all end up with mesothelioma. You see i vacuumed out my car but afterwards went home and fell asleep on my couch with my shoes on . Now even though i vacuumed the floorbaords i am reading on the net these fibers are so microscopic i am sure i missed millions of them and they are now swarming the air my family is breathing. I have since taken drastic measures and quit the job and will no longer drive the car . Can someone point me in the right direction of what is needed to be done I feel as though i am losing my mind . If these fibers did reach the interior of the apartment which i am sure some did at least are we a doomed . One other bit of info i cannot track down is that it is stated the less carcinogenic asbestos chrysotile is in the ambient do you know if this is the same for the amphibole variety thanks for any info.
Answer
Dear Kevin,
This minor exposure to asbestos is highly unlikely to have any significant risk for cancer. Most people exposed to asbestos, millions with exposure much more than you or our family do not get cancer. If you don't smoke youor risk is very much lower. So I would not be concerned.
You did the right thing by cleaning any area you contacted.
This from Wiki:
Amosite and crocidolite are the most hazardous of the asbestos minerals because of their long persistence in the lungs of exposed people. Tremolite often contaminates chrysotile asbestos, thus creating an additional hazard.
I hope this eases your mind,
Michael
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