sanded down Artex! Dangerous?

kcseb

Hi all

Recently bought a 3-bed Victorian semi, with Artex-covered ceilings (the swirly pattern) on nearly all the ceilings.

I don't live there currently and have got some guys working on the plastering.

Their plan was to skim (and presumably bond first) the Artex - but having visited the site yesterday, they've sanded quite a lot of the ceiling first. The house's decor is pretty old (some it from the 60s) so I'm worried re Artex and asbestos.

Any idea how I should proceed? I've written to the council but of course it's a weekend, and I'm about to ask the guys this morning not to sand/disturb the Artex any further.

Is the asbestos in Artex really a danger?

Best

lessonlearned

If you are using qualified plasterers then they should know what they are doing and will no doubt have checked for asbestos.

After all it's in their interests - they are doing this kind of work day and day out so will be unwilling to take unnecessary health risks.

They are the experts - leave them to it. Obviously for your own peace of mind - just ask them.

We are going through the same thing, Victorian property - artex all over the place - probably done around the 80's. No asbestos.

someguystu

Unless they were sure what date the artex was put up (and how long it was on the shelf before that) the only way they could be sure is to send samples off for testing which takes at least a day or 2.

We did our own samples using an online company then got a licensed (check hse website, there's a lot of cowboys out there) company to take down the plasterboard with old (asbestos) artex on it. Fortunately some rooms were more modern.

Current guidance is it's not a major risk if taken down whole and evidently they weren't too concerned about it (they left a few crumbs, but otherwise cleaned up in a few hours). Sanding on the other hand is a no no!

Even this cost £23/sqm with minimal protection (no negative pressure needed, they said). In fact removal of small quantities is described on the hse website but you still then have to pay for safe disposal.

I'd be interested in what asbestos sensing super powers your plasterers claim to have. There seems to be a lot of scare mongering into getting people to cough up cash...But the only authority saying white asbestos safe is the Canadian government and they're ones selling it, only recently stopping funding fire their own chrysotile institute.

I dont like the skimming recommendation...what if in future a pipe bursts and your ceiling comes down, or someone unwittingly drills through it unprotected? Always kicking a problem into the long grass!

kcseb

Hi, thanks for this guys.

The damage is done as it were, the guys on site didn't seemed fussed about the possible asbestos. I've asked them to wear masks, I'm not on site so can't supervise beyond that.

Are there health risks to other people visiting the house, after the dust has settled (literally)?

Thanks

PheoUK

kcseb wrote: »

Hi, thanks for this guys.

The damage is done as it were, the guys on site didn't seemed fussed about the possible asbestos. I've asked them to wear masks, I'm not on site so can't supervise beyond that.

Are there health risks to other people visiting the house, after the dust has settled (literally)?

Thanks

Yes if not adequately cleaned up and then someone disturbs it and breathes it in.

Take your own sample and send it off for testing. Then you will no either way.

wallbash

PheoUK wrote: »

Yes if not adequately cleaned up and then someone disturbs it and breathes it in.

Take your own sample and send it off for testing. Then you will no either way.

And if it comes back positive??
:eek::eek:

Whats your next step?

I would just give everywhere a good hoover.

muckybutt

wallbash wrote: »

And if it comes back positive??
:eek::eek:

Whats your next step?

I would just give everywhere a good hoover.

..... that has a filter equipped to handle ACM particulates.

Where there is a risk of ACM's being present on site you as the homeowner should have made them aware that the artex may have contained ACM's as you have a duty of care to them. They as contractors also have a duty of care to you and should not have started any destructive work on the suspect material until it had been tested. Both as bad as one another !

The risk from the artex is however minimal having said that though ... it only takes a few of the fibres to enter the lungs to cause lung cancer.

wallbash

muckybutt wrote: »

..... that has a filter equipped to handle ACM particulates.

Where there is a risk of ACM's being present on site you as the homeowner should have made them aware that the artex may have contained ACM's as you have a duty of care to them. They as contractors also have a duty of care to you and should not have started any destructive work on the suspect material until it had been tested. Both as bad as one another !

The risk from the artex is however minimal having said that though ... it only takes a few of the fibres to enter the lungs to cause lung cancer.

But the deed has been done. Time to sort out a solution, bit late to drone on about a 'duty of care'

The risk from the artex is however minimal having said that though ... it only takes a few of the fibres to enter the lungs to cause lung cancer.

Nope, only if the artex contains dangerous asbestos, which has not been proven.

The solution ...... get a hoover !

Hintza

http://www.asbestoswatchdog.co.uk/news/most-recent/16-12-2013/Asbestos-The-Truth-Conference-2013