If you have had your artex tested...

[SwingsandRoundabouts86]

..and it came back positive for asbestos what was the artex like? Was it thick? What pattern was it? Where in the house was it? What age house do you have? What did you do - cover up or leave it?

Im just wondering if there some patterns that were more popular when asbestos containing artex was used...

Mine is .. House built in the 60s. It's that horrible spiky stuff and we're not allowed to cover it up (council house) and the council won't remove it unless it gets damaged.

It covers every single ceiling apart from kitchen which has been replaced and covers the walls in passage/stairs/landing.

You can get it tested pretty cheap I think if you want to make sure OP.

Artex has asbestos? I did not know this. My granny lives in an artexed house - from the 80s I think. Is that likely to be asbestos ?

Hmm, I may Google. ...

I think late 80s is less likely to TheSpottedZebra but still possible. Nothing to worry about though - it's perfectly safe as VERY low levels and it's only when it's breathed in in dust form that there's a health risk.

Bump

Anyone else able to provide some info?

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg223.pdf

I believe Asbestos in building materials was finally outlawed in 2000, but its use diminished before then. I don't know when Artex and similar coatings stopped using it. I think Asbestos Cement was being used in fire-resisting boards, prefab garages, and synthetic slate tiles until about 1980. It is quite often seen and not as hazardous as the fluffy insulation used in ships' boilers and some factories.

Artex is not considered hazardous, but you should not break it up or sand it. It can be skimmed over or you can pay someone to remove it. If you have small scraps you should moisten them with water (to prevent dust particles) and double wrap in plastic bags. Your local council is bound to have it on their website and AFIK are obliged to provide facilities for safe disposal of small amounts by householders. They will probably advise how you can get a sample tested.

We have a house built around 1980 and had the artex tested. It came back positive so we got it skimmed and just requested that they not knock bits off in the process. Prior to being aware of the issue we have had building work done and ceilings disturbed but no point worrying over that! I understand that it is fairly low risk anyway.

We have artex in our living room which was here when DH bought the house around 1980. It's quite a fine spike and not too offensive to look at. However, I don't like the look and I do worry about asbestos so in a couple of weeks am having it plastered over so that it will look better but primarily so that it will contain any asbestos fibres. Now wondering if I should have it tested first...