Asbestos in Artex Ceilings: Risks, Testing & Safe Removal in the UK
Concerned About Artex Ceilings? Here’s What You Need to Know
Artex is a textured coating often found on ceilings and walls in older homes, especially those built or renovated before 2000. Many of these coatings contain asbestos—typically chrysotile, or white asbestos—used to enhance durability and fire resistance. Though the asbestos content was usually low (between 1–2%, and up to 4% in some trade formulations), it still poses a health risk when disturbed, as it can release microscopic fibres into the air
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What Artex is and when it was made with asbestos-containing materials
- How to identify and test Artex for asbestos
- Health risks, including asbestos exposure
- UK laws around testing, management, and removal
- What to do if you’ve experienced accidental asbestos exposure
What is Artex?
Artex is a brand name for a decorative coating used widely from the 1960s to the 1990s in the UK. It allowed homeowners to easily create textured ceilings and walls. But for decades, Artex was often made using white asbestos, a fibrous mineral added for strength and fire resistance.
If your property was built or renovated before 2000, your Artex ceilings may still contain asbestos materials, even if they look intact or have been painted over.
Why was Asbestos Used in Artex?
Before its health risks were fully understood, asbestos was added to countless construction products due to its heat-resistant and reinforcing properties. In Artex, white asbestos (chrysotile) was the most commonly used form.
Though asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, older coatings remain in thousands of homes — silently posing a potential threat. Understanding how much asbestos may be present is crucial, especially before beginning renovation or repair work.
How to Identify Asbestos in Artex Ceilings
You cannot visually confirm whether Artex contains asbestos — the asbestos fibres are microscopic and blend seamlessly into the plaster mix.
🚫 Don't Assume You're Safe:
Even painted or well-maintained Artex ceilings may contain asbestos-containing materials underneath.
The only safe and accurate method is to have your Artex tested by a qualified professional. A UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyor will collect samples and have them analysed in a laboratory. The test will confirm if the coating contains asbestos, and if so, how much asbestos is present.
Getting Your Artex Tested, Heres Whats Involved
Here’s what happens during a professional Artex asbestos test:
- Site visit by a qualified surveyor
- Controlled sampling of ceiling or wall coatings
- Lab analysis for asbestos fibre content
- Detailed report on material type and condition
- Risk-based recommendations for safe management or removal
Testing is quick, affordable (usually £65–£150), and essential before any DIY work.
Health Risks from Asbestos in Artex
Disturbing Artex that contains asbestos can release asbestos fibres into the air — where they can be inhaled and cause long-term damage to your lungs. This is known as asbestos exposure, and it's linked to serious diseases including:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Pleural plaques
🚨 Accidental Asbestos Exposure
Even small jobs like drilling a light fitting or scraping paint can trigger accidental asbestos exposure. Once airborne, fibres can linger for hours and pose risks to anyone nearby.
That’s why testing before disturbing Artex ceilings is not just smart — it’s critical for your health.
What to Do if Artex Contains Asbestos
If Left Undisturbed
If the Artex is in good condition and won’t be touched, it may be safely left in place and managed. This is common in many homes where the coating remains sealed with paint and undamaged.
If Disturbed or Damaged
If work is planned or the surface is crumbling or cracked, it must be either sealed, encapsulated, or removed by professionals. Removal must follow UK law and include the use of:
- Full PPE & respiratory protection
- Negative-pressure units
- Safe collection & disposal of asbestos waste
Is Asbestos-Free Artex Available Today?
Yes. Since the ban, all modern Artex products are asbestos-free. These are safe for use in decorating ceilings and walls. However, it’s important not to confuse new applications with legacy coatings. If your home predates 2000, assume the worst until tested.
🏛️ UK Law: Asbestos & Homeowners' Legal Duties
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, property owners have a legal responsibility to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials. Key points include:
- 🏠 Domestic properties: You must inform any tradespeople if asbestos is present
- 🏢 Commercial/tenanted: Landlords must maintain an asbestos register
- 🔨 Renovation or demolition: Requires a refurbishment and demolition survey
Removal isn’t mandatory if the Artex is undisturbed, but if disturbed or removed, it must be done legally — and safely — by licensed professionals.
🤝 Why Choose Core Asbestos Scotland?
Core Asbestos Scotland provides expert Artex testing, asbestos surveys, and safe removal across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the wider Central Belt.
✅ UKAS-accredited lab testing
✅ Certified surveyors with 10+ years' experience
✅ Licensed disposal of
asbestos waste
✅ Transparent pricing, free quotes
📞 Call us on 0131 510 4765 or Request a Free Quote to speak to a certified consultant.
How can I tell if my Artex ceiling contains asbestos?
You can’t tell by looking. Always have your Artex tested by a qualified surveyor.
Is all Artex dangerous?
Only Artex with asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed. If it's asbestos-free Artex, you're safe.
What happens if I sanded Artex and it had asbestos?
You may have experienced accidental asbestos exposure. Contact a specialist immediately for testing and advice.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Legally, in some cases — but it’s highly discouraged. Only trained professionals can ensure it’s done safely and legally.
Do I have to remove asbestos from my ceiling?
Not unless it's damaged or being disturbed. UK law allows for management of intact asbestos-containing materials.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Take Risks with Artex
If your home features Artex ceilings and was built before 2000, don’t assume it’s safe. Testing is fast, affordable, and could protect your health — and your family’s — for years to come.
👉 Get a free quote for Artex asbestos testing and removal from Core Asbestos Scotland today.
👤 About the Author
Sean Rooney
Certified Asbestos Consultant – Core Asbestos Scotland
With over a decade of experience, Sean has performed hundreds of asbestos inspections across residential and commercial properties in the UK. A recognised expert in safe asbestos handling, Sean regularly consults on regulatory compliance and EHS best practices.
