For about four years I have explored many abandoned buildings, particularly houses, in my home state. The houses have holes in the walls, paint chips on the floors, and are totally decrepit. I never spend much time in one buildings, I would say that I have never spent more than 20 minutes inside of a single location. I do go to an abandoned place maybe three or four times per month, though. I do not actually know if any of these locations have asbestos, but my hypochondriac self is starting to freak out. I know, walking around abandoned places is probably not the smartest activity, but I consider myself a historian and it is just very fascinating to me. Even if these places did contain asbestos, would i be at a large risk from my level of exposure? I will also add that many of these houses and buildings are very open to the outside world.. broken windows, entire open walls, for example. Don't know if that makes any difference, though.
Answers & Comments
I think you're fine and shouldn't worry too much.. Asbestos particulates are mostly present as potentially harmful during the demolishment of walls and buildings. Even if the places you visited might have been old, unless the buildings weren't crashed down and you saw no sign of dust in your environments, you shouldn't worry. BUT that doesn't mean anything, if you are concerned you should go check up because long exposure can be very harmful since these particulates are able to scar the insides of your lungs for permanent damage.
Asbestos exposure unless you are doing demo, would be very, very small. The bigger risks would be mold, lead paint, rats, feces, ceilings falling, floors collapsing, and tetanus. Beware also that any damage in the buildings if you are caught trespassing, could be blamed on you, guilty or not.