Artex is made by Artex Ltd. and is used as an interior coating for homes as a decorative paint but artex
asbestos risk has been discovered recently. Artex is preferred by many people because designs, textures, and
patterns can be added to a surface with this material such as on ceilings. Plasters may not be used with the artex
because the product can have a textured finish. Unfortunately, repairs made on surfaces with artex are difficult
because it has to match the pattern made earlier.
When undisturbed, the asbestos might not be harmful but walls and ceilings that are sanded or dust comes
out of the surface will be a problem since inhaled fibers from artex asbestos risk includes lung cancer, skin
diseases, and other respiratory problems. Artex contained asbestos up until 1984, which posed as a danger in the
occupant’s health. Chrysotile white asbestos is mixed in with the artex because of the strength it provides and
other benefits for the house or buildings. The asbestos content is minimal ranging from only 3% to 5%. It was very
popular back then because of the aesthetic characteristics it provides to an interior of a building or
house.
Since artex was only used in the past, working on ceilings and walls today will not have any artex
asbestos risk. However, renovation and demolition jobs involving structures made during the time when artex had
asbestos will be a problem, as these places will still release the harmful fibers. People can have cancer of the
lung, cancer of the abdominal lining, and asbestosis, which is a type of lung disease.
From 1990s onwards, homeowners are guaranteed that their ceilings, walls, and floors are safe from the
harmful substance but older structures are most likely to have asbestos in it. The age of a structure is also an
indicator for property owners if their home has artex asbestos risk.
Renovating or demolition work done at an old building with asbestos requires people to have their safety
gear, which consists of a mask, gloves, and protective clothing. The location should also be sealed from outsiders
and asbestos debris must be secured immediately to be transported in a landfill.
Homeowners can request for the walls and ceilings to be covered in paint or plaster. This will guarantee
that the asbestos will not be damaged and debris will not cause sickness for the occupants. This is an alternative
if people do not want to have artex asbestos risk in the structure, but refuses to remove the coating because it is
more dangerous when disturbed.
Contractors who are hired to do repair or renovations should check first whether the house previously used
artex in the 1980s so that they could take the safety precautions needed to not introduce the harmful fibers in the
air. A professional asbestos removal contractor can
determine for the homeowners if the house was previously made with artex that has asbestos in it.
One way of safely preventing artex asbestos risk during the removal of the material is by applying a coat on the
wall or ceiling that traps the artex including the asbestos mixed with it. Scrapping it afterwards will be easier
and people will not worry about fibers flying in the air. Although the coating has stopped the asbestos dust and
particles from contaminating the air, people still need to wear protective gear and masks to prevent inhalation
should the artex break and introduce the asbestos into the air.

Accomplishing an Asbestos Register Example
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