How To Test Your Artex for Asbestos in Sussex

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in building construction during the mid to late 20th century. While it is no longer used today, it can still be found in many older buildings, especially those built before the 1990s. Asbestos was often used in textured coatings, like Artex, for ceilings and walls because it added strength, soundproofing, and fireproofing to the material. However, when disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and can lead to serious health problems if inhaled. If you live in Sussex or the South East England region and think you might have Artex with asbestos in your home, it's crucial to get it tested by a professional, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

Who Are Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is an experienced asbestos testing and removal company based in Sussex. Our team of certified and licensed professionals has the skills, knowledge, and equipment to safely test and remove asbestos-containing materials from your home or workplace. Our goal is to keep you and your family or coworkers safe from the harmful effects of asbestos. We offer affordable and reliable services that comply with all UK regulations and guidelines.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that consists of thin, fibrous crystals. It was commonly used in building construction for its heat-resistant, soundproofing, and strength qualities. However, it was later discovered to be a carcinogenic material that can cause serious health problems when its fibres are inhaled over an extended period. Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but its use was widespread in the construction industry well into the 1980s.

What Is Artex?

Artex is a popular brand of textured coating used on walls and ceilings. In the past, it was a common practice to add asbestos to Artex to give it extra strength and fireproofing. When damaged or disturbed, Artex with asbestos can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air, which is a health hazard.

Why Do You Need to Test Your Artex for Asbestos?

If you live in an older home or work in an older building, it's possible that the Artex on your walls or ceiling could contain asbestos. If you suspect that your Artex may contain asbestos, an asbestos survey is necessary to determine the presence and location of any asbestos-containing materials in your home or workplace. If asbestos is found, it is crucial to hire a professional, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, to provide asbestos testing, removal, and disposal services to remove the hazardous material safely.

How Can You Test Your Artex for Asbestos?

Asbestos can only be accurately identified by a trained professional who uses specialized equipment and techniques to collect samples of the suspected material for testing in a laboratory. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex has a team of qualified and certified professionals who can carry out detailed asbestos surveys to determine the presence of asbestos-containing materials. We use state-of-the-art equipment and effective sampling techniques to help us identify any potential asbestos risk in your home or workplace.

What Happens during An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey usually involves three steps: An initial inspection of your home or building, sampling, and analysis in a laboratory. During the inspection phase, we will walk around the property, identifying the areas that contain textured coatings, including Artex, that may have asbestos. We will take pictures, notes and access materials used during construction.

Next, we will take carefully selected samples of the suspected material using specialized equipment without disturbing the material or causing any harm to anyone in the building. These samples will be taken for lab analysis to determine if they contain asbestos fibres. Our team will then provide you with a detailed asbestos survey report, including photographs, outlining the findings of the survey and recommending any necessary actions to ensure your safety.

Is Artex Dangerous?

Artex itself is not harmful, and it's still a popular material used in the construction industry today. However, before 2000, it was common practice to add asbestos to Artex to improve its performance, especially when it came to soundproofing and fireproofing. Sadly, the addition of asbestos to textured coatings like Artex can lead to serious health risks for those who are exposed to it when fibres inevitably become airborne.

What Should I Do if I Think My Artex Contains Asbestos?

If you suspect that your Artex may contain asbestos, it's essential to have it tested by a professional, certified asbestos testing service, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. Our experts can conduct a thorough survey to identify any hazardous materials in your home or workplace and offer safe and effective asbestos removal services to eliminate the risk of exposure.

What Are The Consequences of Mishandling Asbestos?

There have been known cases of the mishandling of asbestos waste in Sussex, leading to environmental risks and potential human exposure. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos fibres or dust is at risk of developing serious respiratory and lung conditions, including cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These conditions can take decades to surface and can lead to death or serious disability. Thats why its highly essential to avoid mishandling any asbestos-containing material and seek the services of a licensed and experienced asbestos testing and removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

What Are The Safe and Acceptable Limits Of Asbestos In A House?

There is no safe level of asbestos exposure because inhaling any amount of asbestos fibres can potentially cause harm. However, it's important to note that not all materials that contain asbestos are harmful if left undisturbed. If asbestos-containing materials are present in your home, they should only be removed by a highly trained professional. Regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency, have stringent guidelines regarding the safe removal and handling of asbestos-containing materials.

Choosing Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex as Your Asbestos Testing Partner

Choosing a licensed and experienced asbestos testing and removal company is crucial to your safety and the safety of your family or coworkers. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we adhere to all laws and regulations set by the Regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom, including the HSE and the Environment Agency. We provide affordable and reliable services and work closely with our clients to develop a customized plan for each property to ensure their safety. If you need asbestos testing and removal services in Sussex or the South East England region, contact us today at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk, for more information about our services.