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In 2022, the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) and the National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants (NORAC) published a report using reputable survey data from 128,761 properties across the UK. Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were found in 78% of them.
One of the most popular forms of ACM was asbestos in ceilings, sometimes known as 'popcorn' ceilings or more commonly Artex.
Asbestos 'popcorn' ceilings or Artex were a common feature of homes constructed before the mid-1980s. Coatings such as Artex allowed builders to apply textured finishes to ceilings and walls without the need for plastering skills.
Asbestos was used to provide greater strength and to help the coating dry faster, creating a final finish that was heat resistant and provided good insulation.
Like many ACMs, asbestos is usually safe until it is disturbed or damaged. Disturbing or damaging the material can be as simple as hammering or drilling into it, or if it becomes accidentally damaged by general wear and tear. It can even be disturbed or even when changing lighting fittings.
When it comes to identifying asbestos in ceilings, sampling and analysis of the material is required. Asbestos was used in ceilings in several ways; as well as the textured or popcorn coatings, asbestos was also incorporated into plasterboard panels and moulded decorative features.
The use of Asbestos was banned in 1999 in the UK, so properties built after 1999 should not contain any asbestos.
If you suspect that your property may feature asbestos, contact a reputable asbestos surveyor as soon as possible. They will be able to offer asbestos sampling, asbestos management surveys, asbestos demolition surveys and asbestos refurbishment surveys, conducted in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012.
The type of survey you need will depend on whether you are planning to simply identify and manage any ACMs, refurbish areas of your property that might contain ACMs or demolish the property. Your survey provider can also provide the next steps if any ACMs are found as well as often facilitate licensed or non-licensed asbestos removal.
The management of ACMs in all commercial and industrial premises, as well as the shared spaces within rented domestic properties, is governed by the CAR regulations. They state that duty holders must safely identify and manage ACMs to ensure the wellbeing of building occupants and the public. The duty holder is usually the building owner, manager or operator.
In all settings, domestic, retail and commercial, regular surveys are recommended to identify any ACMs as well as ensure that they remain in a stable condition.
If you think your property might contain asbestos, reach out to the experts at EMS today. Since 2003, we have been conducting asbestos surveys in Worcester, Hereford, Cardiff and across the UK.
Book your survey today by calling us on 0800 358 1110, emailing us at info@emsgroupuk.com or by filling out our contact form here.
Asbestos in ceilings is not usually an immediate hazard. However, if it is exposed or disturbed in any way, such as through drilling, hammering or changing light fixtures, it can begin to release fibres. The likelihood of you disturbing it by accident is obviously higher if you do not know it is there, so having your ceilings tested with a professional survey is always the safest course of action.
Spotting asbestos popcorn ceilings, boards or decorative features can be difficult, as they closely resemble other non-asbestos containing materials. The only way to tell for sure is to have them professionally surveyed, where the surveyor will collect samples of suspected ACMs for laboratory testing.
Often it is perfectly safe to live in a house with asbestos ceilings, so long as you do not disturb the ceiling in any way. However, it is always best to have your ceilings surveyed if you suspect they may contain asbestos.
Many textured ceiling coatings that formerly contained asbestos, such as Artex, began to go asbestos-free around the mid-80s. However, the use of asbestos in general remained legal in the UK until 1999, meaning any properties constructed before this date may contain asbestos.
