Testing Artex for Asbestos

[SWH]

Friend in Exeter has an Artex encrusted house he's in the process of redecorating (and has just realised what it is he's scraping off....). Aside from the potential risks etc.... can anyone recommend a local company/individual to do an asbestos test for him?

I've not seen it, of course it maybe a harmless recent-ish polycell covering over some cracked plaster, although I have a feeling it's a fine 1970's effort.... whether that contains anything actually harmful I don't know. I thought it probably did contain asbestos, but not the kill you in 30yrs time flavour... thinking and knowing are not the same of course, hence asking for a test from someone who actually knows their stuff (and can test it!)

[SWH]

Thanks chaps, details passed on

[SWH]

Thanks - yep, that's what I suggested. Turns out what he's actually scraping off the walls is wallpaper covered in many layers of gloss paint... nice.

There is Artex on the ceiling, and he's rightly getting a plasterer to cover it over. Best left undisturbed was the advice I was given years ago, still sounds right now - no need to hack it all out anyway.

Now... I wonder how old the gloss paint is...?!

[SWH]

VxDuncan said:

Good advice

Thanks, yep - advised a decent mask regardless.

That gel stuff sounds a good idea, although I think I'd leave it to someone who deals with the stuff everyday, or in fact, simply paster over it