How to Test Artex for Asbestos

Textured Wall Surface

Artex is a brand name for a building material used for textured walls, ceilings and other building surfaces. Asbestos was used as a binder in the material. In its hardened form, it closely resembles drywall joint compound or drywall "mud." In its raw state, it is grayish-white. The use of asbestos in Artex was phased out in the late 1970s and early 1980s. You cannot tell if asbestos is present in Artex without testing it.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle with soapy water
• Knife
• Plastic baggie or small container
• Permanent Marker

Instructions

Obtaining the Sample

1. Turn off all fans or HVAC systems leading to the area to be tested.

2. Spray the area of Artex that is to be sampled with the spray bottle of soapy water.

3. Carve away a piece of the Artex material equal to about 1/2 of a teaspoon. Place the sample into the plastic baggie or container. Seal the baggie or container. With the permanent marker, label the sample indicating where the sample was taken.

4. Send the sample to a lab that is equipped for asbestos sampling according to the lab's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the prospective lab to make sure they will test the sample for you. If you have a large area of Artex, the lab may want more than one sample.

• The soapy water is designed to keep the Artex from flaking or releasing fibers into the air. Be sure to wet the area to be sampled thoroughly.

• If you do not feel comfortable with the sampling process or if the Artex is damaged and you suspect the presence of asbestos in the material, contact a licensed Asbestos Building Inspector to do the sampling for you.

References

• Asbestos in Artex
• Asbestos Detection & Treatment
• Step by Step Guide to Asbestos Sampling