Artex issue

[looneych00n]

Hi, my brother has just bought a house and is currently re-decorating. The walls are covered in artex, so he has been using a steamer to strip it off the walls. Someone told him that artex contains asbestos, we think it was put up in the early 80s, does anyone know if there is any truth in this?? he is a tad concerned! Thanks

[looneych00n]

Thanks very much for that...he will be very relieved!

[looneych00n]

Thanks again for your quick reply.

I will pass him the link.

Cheers

[Catso]

Early artex did.

However, if he's steaming it off, he is in no serious danger from it. The fibres are held in the filler-type stuff, and will stay there. The hazard would be caused by sanding it, so that little fibres were released into the air. You have to breathe it in to cause harm. They way he's taking it off, the steam will damp down the minimal amount of fibres released.

[bookermel]

Pre 80's artex contained some asbestos as Catso said (as did many plaster type fillers) only a danger in dust form. So if he has to sand he should use wet and dry paper to keep it damp and not airbourn. Steam and strip is the best way though.