Would you be concerned about this Artex and asbestos exposure?

[Rachel12]

There was a leak in corner of my bedroom a few years ago and the Artex has started to come loose. It's the same as this around my room - https://imgur.com/a/cWALRan. I recently tested the Artex in another room because it's been crumbling for years and it's came back as containing Chrysotile, it's the same throughout the house. I've just hoovered up the dust for years not knowing that it contains asbestos. What would you do in my situation, I can't afford to get the ceiling replaced/plastered over in every room. Would I do much harm painting over this but obviously I'd have to remove the loose bits of Artex? Have I put myself in danger by hoovering up the dust in my other room for years not knowing it contains asbestos, it's about 2x1 metre of the ceiling that's crumbled over time and produced a lot of dust?

 

[lostinthelight]

I know several decorators that were applying it all those years ago , early 70's who looked like snowmen when mixing it. They are all alive and kicking.

 

[JP_]

I am overboarding (underboarding) my ceilings and skimming, to properly hide away all the old artex. Gives a much nicer finish too.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

I am overboarding (underboarding) my ceilings and skimming, to properly hide away all the old artex. Gives a much nicer finish too.

Just make sure it’s noted for anyone who may disturb the area.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

I have gone through several Asbestos awareness training courses, and although it only takes 1 fibre (usually) symptoms don’t generally show for the next 15+ years. Vacuuming is supposed to be a h class vacuum, but obviously you weren’t to know. If you did it now though, it might be a different story. There is a risk yes, and if we’re to work in an area, we now use a company that specialises in asbestos removal (expensive) and for a small area we use a company to do what’s known as a scrape and vac (not sure of cost, but might be worthwhile? Asbestos in a undisturbed state, poses no risk, so maybe just sort out the crumbling ceiling for now?

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I know several decorators that were applying it all those years ago , early 70's who looked like snowmen when mixing it. They are all alive and kicking.

Unfortunately a good friend of mine, a decorator, died of mesothelioma a few years back so it doesn't always end well

As said above the best approach is not to disturb it, but instead to contain it wherever possible and to note carefully where you have found it. Interestingly when dampened the fibres are far less likely to become airborne if brushed up than when they are dry, but domestic vacuums are terrible for handling it because instead of containing the fibres they are far more likely to distribute it even further (because the filter material is far too coarse to trap the fibres, even HEPA vacuums aren't all that good)