First of all, don’t panic. It seems unlikely that you, your baby or your husband have been put at risk. Usually it takes prolonged exposure to asbestos dust to cause future problems.

Regarding testing: it sounds like you investigated getting a Type 2 Survey (http://www.thameslabs.co.uk/surveys/type2.html). That would be the correct way to go.

If you hire a reputable contractor (check to see if they belong to the relevant trade bodies – in the UK that would be ATAC and ARCA) then they should be able to take the sample safely and without contaminating any other areas.

Finally – the same people should be able to advise you on how to deal with items that may have dust on them. In the mean time avoid handling them or, if you do, then wear a mask and gloves.

Please remember – it is highly unlikely that you or your family are in danger.

First of all, if your baby is due in 4 months, YOU shouldn’t be the one to hose down all that stuff. Let someone who isn’t pregnant do it for you.

I did a bit of checking on the Internet and here’s what I found about what people should do to get rid of asbestos dust on them (they were talking about people that work in asbestos.

Before going home, remove asbestos dust

Employees at an asbestos infected environment must try to get rid of any signs of asbestos dust from his clothing or tools. It is best that the employee must take a shower from top to bottom and wash the clothes carefully to wipe down asbestos dust before going home.

So, get someone to take that stuff out side and wash it down. And if you’re really really worried and can’t stop thinking about it, then I suggest you get rid of all that stuff and buy more. I know it’s expensive, but so are treatments for asbestos related diseases. Better safe than sorry…

Good luck…

You need to talk to a professional and you shouldn’t be breathing in any asbestos. It sticks to your lungs, but you have to be exposed to it for a long time to do real damage. It is serious and you should not be breathing in this stuff. Don’t panic, but do call someone for help. If you live in an apartment it is the landlord’s responsibility.

Have the laundry checked for asbestos by a licensed contractor. It will be worth the money to find out.