Asbestos in Artex ceilings were a very popular design feature across many UK homes and businesses between the 1960s and 1990s. But, how dangerous are they and how do you tell whether your property has one? Learn more about how to identify asbestos in Artex ceilings here.
What Are Asbestos in Artex Ceilings?
‘Artex’ is a brand name for a decorative coating that was used for interior design, often on ceilings, but sometimes on walls too.
Artex allowed decorators to cover imperfections by adding textures to their walls and ceilings, such as swirls, stipples, spiked patterns, etc. This became a very popular design feature across the UK between the 1960s and 1990s. During its popularity, asbestos was added to Artex in order to enhance the coating’s durability and resistance to fire.
But, as awareness of the serious health risks associated with asbestos grew, the asbestos-containing variant of the product was discontinued in 1984, and replaced with an asbestos-free version. Not all Artex contains asbestos, but coatings produced before 1999 (when asbestos was banned in the UK) pose a higher risk of containing the material.
How Do You Identify Asbestos in Artex Ceilings?
Any type of asbestos product or ACM (asbestos-containing material) is difficult to identify with an untrained eye. Hence, the safest way to confirm the presence of asbestos in Artex is via asbestos sampling.
However, there are some signs you can look out for when deciding whether to enlist professional help, such as:
- A variety of decorative, textured patterns on the ceiling or walls, e.g. swirls, stipples, spikes, etc.
- Commonly found in UK buildings that were constructed or renovated between the 1960s and 1990s.
- Uneven, bumpy textures.
How Dangerous Are Asbestos in Artex Ceilings?
While not all Artex contains asbestos, if your domestic or commercial property was built or renovated before the material was banned in 1999, asbestos in Artex could still be present.
If undisturbed, asbestos poses a very low health risk. However, if it is disturbed through refurbishment, demolition, or significant maintenance works for example, its fibres can become airborne – increasing the risk of exposure.
Inhaling asbestos fibres can pose serious health risks, ranging from mesothelioma and asbestosis, to lung cancer and pleural thickening.
That’s why, if the presence of asbestos in Artex has been confirmed via a survey within your property, it is crucial you enlist the help of qualified asbestos specialists in order to manage the risk of exposure.
Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal & Remediation Services
Depending on the condition of the asbestos in Artex within your property, the next step will either include Asbestos Removal or Asbestos Remediation.
Here at Reddish Vale, not only are we full members of both ARCA and ACAD, but we have also been licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for asbestos removal since 1985. So, you can rest assured your asbestos removal or remediation works will be in the best hands possible.
As a team, we also have over 30 years of experience that spans several sectors, including Construction & Demolition, Commercial, Education, Government, Industrial and Leisure. No matter the size or sector of your project, Reddish Vale has the asbestos management solution for you.
Get Your Free Quote Today
If you require asbestos removal or asbestos remediation for your commercial, educational, governmental, leisure, or industrial premises, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to discuss your individual project requirements with you over the phone or via email. Alternatively, if you would prefer to leave us a message about your enquiry, please fill in the contact form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as possible with a free, competitive, no-obligation quote.
Contact our asbestos removal specialists today for more information.
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