The Essentials
“Artex” is a brand name, but people often use it to describe any textured, swirly, or “popcorn” finish on ceilings and walls. From the 1960s to the mid-1980s, white asbestos was often mixed in to make the finish stronger and less likely to crack.
Is it dangerous?
The short answer is no, as long as you leave it alone. Asbestos only becomes a health risk if it is disturbed and tiny fibres get into the air, where you could breathe them in.
- It is safe if the ceiling is in good shape, has been painted, and you do not disturb it.
- It becomes dangerous if you sand, drill, or scrape the ceiling to make it flat. Doing this releases dust that contains asbestos.
How do I know if mine has it?
You cannot tell if it contains asbestos just by looking. Even professionals cannot be completely sure just by eye.
- Check when your house was built or renovated. If it was between 1960 and 1990, there is a chance it has asbestos.
- The only way to know for sure is to have a small sample tested in a lab.
Asbestos testing
The only way to know for sure whether asbestos is present is to have a sample taken and analysed under a polarised light microscope (PLM).
You Can Leave Artex in Place?
If it is undamaged, it can be left in place safely. As with all asbestos products, the danger occurs when it’s damaged by design or accident. If you sand or drill into it, the Artex will release asbestos fibres into the air.
Have a look at the HSE website, Asbestos essentials, for more information.
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Artex Ceiling