Do I Need To Test Artex For Asbestos In Hampshire?

Are you living in Hampshire, South East England, and wondering if you need to test your Artex coating for asbestos? The answer is simple - yes. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) like Artex were widely used in the construction industry in the UK, including Hampshire, until the 1980s. And, as we all know, asbestos is a highly hazardous material that can cause serious health problems when inhaled.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an asbestos testing and removal company that can help you determine whether your Artex coating contains asbestos. In this landing page, we will discuss the dangers of asbestos, the history of Artex use, and why you should test your Artex for asbestos. So, let's begin.

Asbestos - A Brief Overview

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for its superior insulating and fire-resistant properties. Asbestos was used in many applications, including cement sheets, pipes, flooring, and ceiling coatings like Artex. However, it was later discovered that asbestos is highly hazardous and can cause serious health problems when inhaled.

When disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibres into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Over time, these tiny fibres can cause serious health problems like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases may not appear until decades after exposure, making it challenging to diagnose and treat.

The History of Artex Use in the UK

Artex is a textured ceiling coating that was widely used in the UK during the 1970s and 1980s. It was popular because it was an easy and cost-effective way to add texture and interest to ceilings without the need for plastering. Artex was also considered a fire-resistant material, which made it a popular choice for use in commercial buildings like hospitals, schools, and offices.

However, it was later discovered that some Artex coatings contained asbestos fibres, which could be released into the air when disturbed. In 1985, the UK government banned the use of ACMs like Artex, but many buildings constructed before this time still contain Artex coatings.

Why You Should Test Your Artex for Asbestos

If you live in a property built before the mid-1980s and have an Artex coating, it is essential to determine whether it contains asbestos. Asbestos can be present in any type of Artex coating, so it is essential to have a sample of the material tested by a qualified asbestos testing company.

Testing your Artex for asbestos is vital for the safety of yourself and your family. If you plan to remove or disturb the Artex coating, you run the risk of releasing hazardous asbestos fibres into the air. This hazardous material can cause long-term health problems when inhaled, as we discussed earlier.

How to Test Your Artex for Asbestos

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an experienced asbestos testing company that can help you determine whether your Artex coating contains asbestos. Our team of experts will take a sample of your Artex coating and send it to an accredited laboratory for testing.

The laboratory will analyse the sample, and if asbestos is present, we will advise you on the next steps to take. If the Artex coating does contain asbestos, we can provide assistance with asbestos removal to ensure your property is safe and free of hazardous materials.

Conclusion

We hope you have found this landing page informative and understand why it is essential to test your Artex coating for asbestos. Asbestos is highly hazardous, and exposure to this hazardous material can cause long-term health problems that may put your life at risk.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an experienced asbestos testing and removal company that can help you determine whether your Artex coating contains asbestos. If you would like to book an appointment for Artex sampling, please give us a call on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our services.