Is Artex hiding danger in your home?
If you’ve purchased an older home, there’s a good chance you might encounter Artex on your ceilings or walls. This textured coating, popular in the 1960s through the 1980s, was frequently used to create decorative patterns in homes. However, what many homeowners don’t realise is that Artex applied before the late 1980s often contains asbestos, a hazardous material. Understanding the potential health risks and the safest ways to deal with Artex can help protect you and your family from exposure.
What is asbestos and is it dangerous?
Asbestos was commonly added to Artex and other building materials to increase durability. However, once disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne, and inhalation of these fibres can lead to serious health conditions, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Asbestos fibres in Artex are generally of the white asbestos variety (chrysotile). While the quantity of asbestos in Artex is low—typically between 1-2%—it can be higher in trade products, with some containing up to 4%. The danger arises when the Artex is disturbed through drilling, sanding, or renovation work, which releases harmful fibres into the air.
Does all Artex contain asbestos?
Not all Artex contains asbestos. After asbestos was banned in construction materials in 1999, products manufactured after this time should be asbestos-free. However, homes built or renovated before 2000 are at risk. It’s essential to treat any Artex in these homes as if it contains asbestos until testing proves otherwise.
How can you tell if your Artex contains asbestos?
You cannot identify asbestos just by looking at Artex. Professional sampling and testing are the only reliable methods to determine if asbestos is present. Hiring an accredited asbestos surveyor ensures that proper safety procedures are followed during testing. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is essential that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are managed carefully, especially if there’s a risk of exposure during renovations.
Should you remove Artex containing asbestos?
Removing Artex that contains asbestos should be handled with extreme caution. Although it is considered non-licensed work, disturbing Artex can release fibres, so it’s always best to hire a professional. Licensed asbestos removal contractors are trained to minimise the risk of exposure during removal and ensure that asbestos waste is disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stresses the importance of using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and following controlled work practices to ensure minimal risk.
Are there alternatives to removal?
If the Artex is in good condition and isn’t likely to be disturbed, it may not pose an immediate health risk. In such cases, encapsulating the material with paint or a protective coating can seal in the asbestos fibres, preventing them from becoming airborne. However, if you plan to remodel or renovate, removal may be the safest option.
Legal responsibilities and regulations
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires homeowners and contractors to manage asbestos-containing materials responsibly. While asbestos doesn’t legally have to be removed if it’s in good condition, any disturbance must be carefully managed. If you’re hiring contractors, you’re required by law to inform them if asbestos is present in the areas they will work on. Additionally, certain types of non-licensed asbestos work, like removing Artex, now require notification and medical surveillance for workers.
How Crucial Environmental can help
If you suspect that your home’s Artex may contain asbestos, it’s crucial to act safely. At Crucial Environmental, we offer comprehensive asbestos surveys, testing, and removal services to give you peace of mind. Our licensed professionals ensure that any asbestos is managed in accordance with the latest health and safety regulations.
For more information or to schedule a survey, contact the team at Crucial Environmental today. Stay safe by staying informed!