How To Test For Asbestos In Artex Ceilings In Devon

If you own or live in a property built in the 1980s or earlier that has Artex ceilings, its important to know if they contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in Artex coatings due to its fire retardant properties, but it has since been banned due to its health risks. Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can cause a range of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If you suspect that your Artex ceilings contain asbestos, its important to get them tested to ensure the safety of yourself and others in the property. In this article, well explain how to test for asbestos in Artex ceilings in Devon, and how Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help.

Artex and Asbestos

Artex is a name in the UK for a type of textured coating applied to ceilings and walls. It was first introduced in the 1960s and became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, asbestos was commonly used in Artex coatings due to its fire retardant properties.

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that have been used in construction, insulation, and other industrial materials. It is made up of strong, fibrous crystals that are heat-resistant, fire-resistant, and chemical-resistant. The most common types of asbestos used in building materials are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.

When an Artex coating containing asbestos is disturbed, fibres can be released into the air and inhaled. These fibres can damage the lungs and lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Why Test for Asbestos in Artex Ceilings?

If you live in a property with Artex ceilings made before 2000, its important to test them for asbestos. This is because asbestos fibres can pose a danger to human health if they are breathed in. Asbestos-containing Artex coatings are still found in many older properties across the UK, and if you are planning on carrying out any work that could disturb the ceiling, its essential to know whether they contain asbestos.

Some examples of work that could potentially disturb Artex ceilings include:

• Drilling holes for lighting fixtures
• Sanding or scraping the ceiling surface
• Cutting into the ceiling to install new fittings
• Removing the Artex coating altogether

If you disturb an asbestos-containing Artex ceiling, fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, potentially leading to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Its worth noting that not all Artex coatings contain asbestos. Many Artex coatings made in the 1980s and earlier did contain asbestos, but some did not. The only way to know for sure whether an Artex coating contains asbestos is to have it tested.

How to Test for Asbestos in Artex Ceilings in Devon

If you suspect that your Artex ceilings contain asbestos, you should get them tested to confirm. There are two main ways to test for asbestos in Artex ceilings:

1. Sample Testing

One way to test for asbestos in Artex is to take a sample of the coating and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This is the most accurate way to determine whether an Artex coating contains asbestos.

However, this method can be dangerous if not carried out properly. Asbestos fibres are hazardous, so its important to follow proper safety procedures when taking a sample. You should wear appropriate personal protective equipment and avoid using power tools, which can release fibres into the air.

Its recommended to use a professional asbestos testing company to take samples safely and professionally. They can accurately test the sample in a laboratory and provide a report with the results.

2. Testing Kits

Another way to test for asbestos in Artex is to use an asbestos testing kit. These kits are available for purchase online and from some hardware stores. They come with instructions and equipment for taking a sample of the Artex coating, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

However, its important to make sure that the testing kit you choose is reliable and accurate. Not all testing kits are the same, and some may give false negative or positive results. Using a professional asbestos testing company is always recommended for accuracy and safety.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to Test for Asbestos in Artex Ceilings?

If you suspect that your Artex ceilings contain asbestos, you should seek professional help to test for it. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a trusted asbestos testing and removal company in the South West of England, with years of experience in the industry.

Heres why you should choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon:

Experienced Professionals

All our technicians are trained and experienced in asbestos testing and removal. We have extensive knowledge of Artex coatings, their history, and how they may contain asbestos.

Fast and Accurate Testing

Our asbestos testing services are fast and accurate. We can provide a report on the presence of asbestos in your Artex ceiling sample within 24 hours of receiving the sample in our laboratory.

Affordable Prices

As our name suggests, we offer affordable asbestos testing and removal services in Devon. We price our services competitively, without ever compromising on quality or safety.

Safe and Professional Testing

We take safety seriously and carry out testing with the utmost care and caution. We follow all safety guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of our staff and clients.

Licensed and Insured

We are licensed and insured asbestos testing and removal company in Devon. You can trust in our professionalism and expertise to get the job done safely, quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

If you suspect that your Artex ceilings contain asbestos, its important to get them tested to ensure the safety of yourself and others in the property. You can either take a sample of the Artex coating yourself using an asbestos testing kit or enlist the services of a professional asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Testing for asbestos in Artex ceilings is straightforward, but its important to follow proper safety procedures to avoid releasing fibres into the air. Get in touch with us today to book a test or for any queries related to asbestos testing and removal. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].