Does Your Old Artex Ceiling Contain Asbestos?
What You Need to Know
If you have an old Artex ceiling, you might be concerned about whether it contains asbestos and what that could mean for your home or workplace. Here’s a guide to understanding the potential risks and necessary precautions.
What is Artex?
Artex is a textured coating that was popularly used on ceilings and walls in both domestic and commercial properties. It was known for its decorative patterns and versatile application. Other brands like Marblecoat, Newtex, and Pebblecoat also produced similar textured coatings.
Did Artex Contain Asbestos?
Yes, Artex and other similar products did contain asbestos until around 1984. Asbestos was used in these coatings as a binding agent to add strength and durability. The asbestos content in these textured coatings could vary, with some containing up to 3% asbestos.
The Risks of Asbestos in Artex
Asbestos is a hazardous material that can pose serious health risks if its fibres are inhaled. Historically, Artex coatings have caused problems for testing laboratories for a couple of reasons:
Sampling Challenges: Textured coatings like Artex were often mixed on-site from a powder form. This means that the asbestos content could vary across different areas of the coating. Samples taken from areas with less asbestos might not accurately represent the overall asbestos content.
Analytical Difficulties: Asbestos fibres in Artex were very fine, making them harder to detect with older equipment. Although this was a significant issue in the past, advances in technology have improved the accuracy of detection.
Testing and Safety
Most manufacturers ceased using asbestos in Artex and similar products around 1983. However, there’s no guarantee that older materials or imported products from that time do not contain asbestos. To be completely safe, having the material tested by a certified professional is the only reliable method to determine if your Artex ceiling contains asbestos.
It is worth noting that all asbestos use in the UK was banned in August 1999. So, if your Artex was applied after this date, it should not contain asbestos.
Risks and Precautions
Although textured coatings like Artex are generally considered low risk, any disturbance to the material can release asbestos fibres into the air. This can be particularly hazardous in confined or enclosed spaces. Common activities that can release fibres include sanding or drilling the material.
If you need to work on or remove Artex, it is crucial to:
Hire a Professional: Ensure that any work involving Artex is carried out by someone who is trained or licensed to handle asbestos.
Avoid Disturbing the Material: If possible, avoid actions that could release fibres, such as sanding or drilling.
If you suspect your Artex ceiling may contain asbestos, the best course of action is to have it tested by a qualified professional. Given the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure, it's important to handle the situation with care and ensure that any necessary work is performed by experts. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your home or workplace remains safe.