What is asbestos and is it harmful?

Artex asbestos was commonly used in textured coatings before the 1999 ban, posing health risks if disturbed. Older buildings, especially pre-2000, may contain asbestos fibres that can become airborne when scraped, sanded, or damaged. Professional asbestos testing is crucial to assess risks and ensure compliance with UK regulations. At Amstech, we provide expert asbestos surveys and safe removal services, helping you manage Artex asbestos safely.

The common types of asbestos minerals

• Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
• Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
• Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
• Anthophylite
• Tremolite
• Actinolite

Finding asbestos

Asbestos has the potential to be found in any domestic or industrial property that was built prior to the year 2000. Previously its uses included some of the following;

• Sprayed coatings (e.g. ceilings and walls)
• Asbestos insulation board (e.g. ceiling tiles and soffits)
• Asbestos cement (e.g. garage roofs, guttering, rooftiles and water tanks)
• Lagging (e.g. boilers and pipes)
• Asbestos reinforced composites (e.g. floor tiles, fire blankets, fuse boxes and toilet cisterns)

Many properties built before 2000 may have an asbestos ceiling, commonly found in textured coatings (like Artex), ceiling tiles, or insulation boards. While undisturbed asbestos is low-risk, drilling, sanding, or removal can release hazardous fibres into the air. Asbestos was widely used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, particularly in buildings constructed before the 1980s. Identifying asbestos in ceilings can be difficult, making professional asbestos testing essential.

Is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos itself, undisturbed and in good condition, is not dangerous to you. However, once disturbed the microscopic fibres that are released into the air do not break down. These fibres are what is so dangerous. Initial exposure does not cause concern as it can take up to 30 years from exposure for the first signs of disease to develop. The longer and more frequently you are exposed, the higher the risk of developing an asbestos related disease. Therefore, it is extremely important that construction and trade workers have asbestos awareness to prevent any unnecessary exposure.

Asbestos can cause the following serious diseases:

• Mesothelioma – a cancer that affects the lining of the lings and the lining of the digestive tract.
• Asbestosis – a serious lung condition
• Pleural thickening – a condition where the lining of the lung thickens and swells
• Asbestos related lung cancer – a cancer that develops a tumour in the lung.

How to stay safe with asbestos

It is important to remember that asbestos is only harmful when it has been disturbed. If you suspect this has happened, you must have a qualified and trained team come and deal with it. After the removal of asbestos having an air test done can confirm that there is no longer any contamination, and the area is now safe.

If you are unsure if asbestos is present, having an experienced and qualified surveyor come and look can put your mind at ease, and is a must if you are planning works at the property. Some asbestos containing materials must be removed especially if damaged, however, if in good condition it can be safer to be aware it is there and monitor it.