Question:

It has been over 10 years since my wife has had a recurrence of her OCD. She also suffers from asthma. Recently I inadvertently wore some clothing into my truck after working with fiberglass, and it triggered a complete OCD meltdown which lasted almost 3 months, until with considerable effort, we were able to get her out of the house. She is now staying in a hotel, seeing a psych, and taking medication. The question I have regards OCD and exposure to environmental toxins. Although her exposure to any fiberglass was extremely limited (I disrobed on our deck and went in directly to the shower; however, I did drive the truck again and wore that clothing into the house), OCD has convinced her that everything in our home is potentially covered in fiberglass dust, and if she breathes even a few particles of it, her asthma will be further compromised. So, I suppose my question is, what is the danger, if any, of her breathing being compromised by an extremely low (if any) exposure to fiberglass dust? She is very aware that OCD is affecting her judgment but is powerless to stop it without some professional medical information and opinions. Can anyone please help?

Answer:

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Related Resources:

Fiberglass and Being Pregnant
Fiberglass Dust Inhalation
Fiberglass dust & Silicosis

For more information:

Go to the Anxiety and Stress Disorders health topic.