Can I Remove Asbestos Artex Myself” Our Experts Answer
Asbestos was a commonly used building material up until the late 1990s when it was banned due to health risks.
If your property was built before this ban, there’s a good chance your home contains asbestos. That could be in the form of roof tiles, insulation, or Artex ceiling patterns.
If you do have asbestos in your artex ceiling, first of all, don’t panic. The asbestos is not dangerous unless it is disturbed. If the Artex is in good condition, with no cracks or flaking, there is no risk to your health. That being said, you might still want to remove it, perhaps for peace of mind or personal taste.
If you are wondering “Can I remove asbestos Artex myself” our asbestos experts will explain.
What is Artex?
Artex is a surface coating used for interior decorating. It is usually found on ceilings. The material allows the decorator to add texture to ceilings/walls.
Artex, or any wall or ceiling covering from before the late 1990s, could contain asbestos. That’s not to say all Artex contains asbestos, you can’t be sure without an asbestos survey. But, if your property is from before 1999, chances are your Artex will contain asbestos.
Is Artex Dangerous?
Yes, Artex is dangerous. It contains asbestos which is a known carcinogen.
If the Artex plaster becomes damaged it can release asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres could then be breathed in by people, damaging the lungs and potentially leading to asbestos-related cancer. Even low levels of exposure pose serious risks. There is no ‘safe level’ when it comes to asbestos exposure.
Can I Remove Asbestos Artex Myself?
Some types of asbestos require specialist asbestos removal licences. However, for other groups of ACMS, which are classified as low-fibre release, it is possible to remove them without an Asbestos Removal Licence. Artex falls into the second category. It is not illegal to remove this yourself.
That being said, removing asbestos of any kind is dangerous. If you are unsure about the process of Artex removal, or how to stay safe, we strongly advise you to contact a proper asbestos removal company.
Need an Asbestos Survey?
If you are unsure of whether your property contains asbestos, you should arrange an asbestos survey. An asbestos survey will look for the presence and condition of asbestos in your property, recommending an asbestos management plan thereafter.
If you need to arrange an asbestos survey, get in touch with the team at 0800 Asbestos.
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