What is Asbestos in Artex?
‘Artex’ is a brand name for a textured, decorative coating that rose to popularity between the 1960s and 1980s. The product was designed to make DIY decorating easier for those without extensive plastering skills and was often used to add unique textured patterns, swirls and stipples to the walls and ceilings of many UK homes. Soon enough, asbestos was added to Artex in order to strengthen the coating and speed up the drying time. But as the awareness surrounding the dangers of asbestos grew, Asbestos in Artex was eventually phased out by the mid-1980s.
30+ YEARS
SURVEYING
ASBESTOS
How Dangerous is Asbestos in Artex?
Asbestos in Artex commonly contained chrysotile asbestos (otherwise known as white asbestos). People generally became aware of this during the 1970s and 1980s, resulting in the discontinuation of asbestos-containing Artex by 1984.
Although the asbestos content was typically on the lower side, ranging from 1% to 4%, even small amounts can pose serious health risks if disturbed, broken, or damaged. These health risks include mesothelioma (a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs), asbestosis (a serious lung scarring condition) and pleural thickening (a thickening/swelling of the lung lining).
“When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases.”
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)How Does Asbestos in Artex Testing Work?
At Pillars Environmental, we offer two types of asbestos surveys (both of which include asbestos testing) – Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys and Asbestos Management Surveys.
During our surveys, we will extract samples of materials we deem to be potential ACMs (asbestos-containing materials). As accredited asbestos surveyors, we will only ever take samples in line with HSG 264 – Asbestos: The Survey Guide.
These samples will then be sent off to a UKAS-accredited laboratory where the asbestos in Artex testing will take place. This testing will confirm whether asbestos is indeed present and if so, the type that is present (e.g. chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, etc.).
This will help our asbestos consultants make a more informed decision as to what the best course of action is for you. This can include asbestos removal, remediation or repair. In terms of next steps we can support with, we offer Asbestos Management Plans, Asbestos Removal Management and Asbestos Re-Inspections.
BESPOKE ASBESTOS SERVICES
OFFERING TAILORED, EXPERT ADVICE
Professional Asbestos in Artex Testing vs DIY Kits
While you may be tempted to try asbestos sampling kits, this is not a safe idea. Here’s why:
- Accuracy & reliability: You cannot be certain that the sample you have sent off for testing is representative of the rest of the materials within the building. Whereas, qualified asbestos surveyors, such as ourselves, are trained to detect asbestos in areas a novice may not recognise.
- Aftercare & compliance: Any future contractor, resident, or other occupant of the building must be guaranteed safety following your DIY work. If you’re a non-professional, can you be sure the area you’ve sampled has been sealed off safely and compliantly?
Qualified Asbestos Surveyors
As BOHS P402 qualified asbestos surveyors, we can handle all aspects of your Asbestos in Artex testing and management needs. With over 35 years of multi-sector experience, we’ve surveyed and managed a vast array of domestic, commercial and industrial properties during this time.
Well-positioned to handle projects of any size, sector, or complexity – our commitment to health and safety, environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance underpins everything we do. Not only are we BOHS P402 qualified, but we also hold the ConstructionLine Acclaim SSIP accreditation, which is endorsed by UKAS, demonstrating our dedication to the highest industry standards.
SAFE & COMPLIANT ASBESTOS SURVEYS
OFFERING TAILORED, EXPERT ADVICE
Get Your Free Asbestos in Artex Testing Quote
If you suspect your home or business may contain Artex ceilings or walls, please don’t hesitate to contact our accredited asbestos surveyors to get your free, no-obligation quote.
With offices based in Lancashire, Manchester and Cheshire, we can offer expert advice and support for many areas across Great Britain.
Asbestos in Artex Testing FAQs
When was Asbestos in Artex banned in the UK?
The use of asbestos in Artex was banned in the UK in 1999, but it had started to be phased out in the mid-1980s. Any Artex applied before this may contain asbestos.
How long does it take to receive Asbestos in Artex testing results?
After our qualified asbestos surveyors have sent off the samples to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis, results typically take 1-3 working days to come back. The results will confirm the type, location and condition of asbestos – if it is present.
What should I do if my Artex ceiling contains asbestos?
If asbestos is present, you may choose to encapsulate it via asbestos remediation (i.e. sealing it in place), or have it professionally removed. Do not attempt removal yourself, as this is highly dangerous and requires licensed asbestos contractors.
