Can I Remove Asbestos Artex Myself? The Shocking Truth

Removing asbestos artex yourself is extremely dangerous and not recommended. Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, can become airborne and cause serious health problems like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Studies show that over 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases. Even minimal exposure to asbestos can significantly increase health risks.

In Australia, strict regulations are in place to control how asbestos is handled. If your home was built before 1990, it’s likely that asbestos artex is present on your ceilings or walls. According to Safe Work Australia, disturbing asbestos without proper safety measures can increase the risk of exposure by up to 100 times. Therefore, removal should always be done by a professional.

At Crown Asbestos Removal, we specialize in licensed, insured, and eco-friendly asbestos removal services across Canberra and NSW. Our trained experts follow strict Australian safety regulations to ensure your property remains safe and free from harmful asbestos.

In this context, we’ll explore why asbestos artex is dangerous, the risks of DIY removal, the legal rules in Australia, and why hiring professionals is the best option.

What is Asbestos Artex?

Can I Remove Asbestos Artex Myself The Shocking Truth — Can I Remove Asbestos Artex Myself

Asbestos Artex is a textured coating that was commonly used on ceilings and walls in homes across Australia from the 1960s to the 1980s. It has a distinctive bumpy or patterned surface, making it a popular choice for adding texture and covering up imperfections in the ceiling or wall. The primary reason asbestos was mixed into Artex was because of its durability, heat resistance, and low cost. However, over time, the dangerous effects of asbestos exposure became known, especially when its fibres were disturbed.

Asbestos was included in Artex because it made the coating more fire-resistant and durable, and it was an inexpensive material. Unfortunately, while asbestos was useful in many building materials, it was later discovered to be extremely hazardous to health. In Australia, the use of asbestos was banned in 2003, but older homes built before the ban may still contain asbestos Artex.

If you live in a house built before 2003, it’s possible that your ceilings or walls have asbestos Artex. Studies suggest that around 30% of homes built before the asbestos ban could still contain materials that have asbestos. When Artex is disturbed, such as during renovations, it can release tiny, harmful asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres are too small to be seen and can easily be inhaled, leading to serious health issues like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Is It Legal to Remove Asbestos Artex Yourself in Australia?

The laws surrounding asbestos removal in Australia are very strict to protect both workers and homeowners. The government has implemented specific regulations to ensure the safe handling and removal of asbestos. If you suspect that your home has asbestos Artex, it’s important to understand these laws and when professional help is required.

For asbestos removal, DIY is allowed only in certain situations. If the area contains less than 10 square meters of non-friable asbestos, it may be possible for homeowners to remove it themselves. Non-friable means the asbestos is not easily broken apart and does not release fibers easily. However, asbestos Artex is typically considered friable, meaning that it can break apart and release dangerous fibers when disturbed. In these cases, DIY removal is not allowed, and it’s required by law to hire a licensed professional to safely remove the material.

“font-weight: 400;”>Attempting to remove asbestos Artex yourself can expose you to significant health risks, as asbestos fibres can cause severe diseases like asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), mesothelioma (a rare and fatal cancer), and other lung diseases. Improper handling of asbestos can also result in legal consequences. Penalties for mishandling asbestos can reach up to $1.5 million in fines or even jail time.

For your safety, always call a licensed asbestos removal company to handle asbestos removal. Not only will it protect your health, but it also ensures you are complying with Australia’s strict asbestos laws.

The Risks of DIY Asbestos Removal

=”yoast-text-mark”>”font-weight: 400;”>Removing asbestos artex yourself may seem like a cost-saving solution, but the risks involved are serious, and the consequences can be life-threatening. It’s important to fully understand the dangers before attempting any DIY asbestos removal. Here’s why doing it yourself can lead to severe health risks:

Health Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

When asbestos is disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibres are invisible to the naked eye, but once inhaled, they can cause long-term, severe health problems. Here’s a breakdown of the major health risks:

Asbestosis: This is a progressive lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Asbestos fibres cause scarring in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. It typically develops after several years of exposure, but the condition worsens over time. Asbestosis can reduce your lung capacity and, in some cases, can lead to heart failure. In Australia, over 1,000 new cases of asbestosis are diagnosed every year.
yle=”font-weight: 400;” aria-level=”1″>Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare but extremely aggressive cancer that develops in the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It’s directly caused by asbestos exposure. According to Safe Work Australia, 80% of mesothelioma cases are linked to past asbestos exposure. Sadly, most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have a life expectancy of less than 12 months after diagnosis.
Lung Cancer: Inhalation of asbestos fibres is also a leading cause of lung cancer. The Cancer Council Australia reports that asbestos exposure causes around 500 lung cancer deaths annually in the country. This form of cancer often takes decades to develop, so those exposed to asbestos in the past may be at risk for years, even if they don’t show symptoms right away.

How Disturbing Asbestos Artex Releases Harmful Fibers

Asbestos artex, commonly found in textured ceilings and walls, can release harmful fibres when disturbed. These fibres are very small and lightweight, allowing them to remain suspended in the air for long periods. When you attempt to scrape, sand, or remove asbestos artex without proper precautions, the fibres can easily spread throughout your home.

Once airborne, asbestos fibres are highly dangerous. They are microscopic, which means they can travel deep into your lungs when inhaled. The fibres get stuck in the lung tissues, and over time, they cause diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. It only takes a small amount of exposure to increase your risk.

“font-weight: 400;”>The fibres can also contaminate clothing, furniture, and other surfaces, making the area hazardous for weeks or even months after removal if not handled properly. This means even if you think you’ve finished the job, the contamination could still affect you and others in your home.

Safety Gear and Disposal Methods Required

If you were to attempt DIY asbestos removal, you would need special safety gear and follow specific safety procedures. Unfortunately, most homeowners aren’t fully equipped to deal with the risks involved. Here’s what you would need:

style=”font-weight: 400;” aria-level=”1″>Full-body protective suits (disposable): These suits are necessary to cover your entire body, including your head and feet, to

style=”font-weight: 400;” aria-level=”1″>PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): This includes P100 respirators to filter out asbestos fibres, gloves, and eye protection to prevent inhal

style=”font-weight: 400;” aria-level=”1″>Negative pressure enclosures: These are designed to create a sealed environment around the removal area to prevent fibres

- - HEPA vacuums: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums are needed to clean up any debris or dust containing asbestos fibres.
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style=”font-weight: 400;” aria-level=”1″>Proper disposal: Asbestos must be disposed of at licensed disposal sites, and it must be transported using special containers to

avoid exposure during the transport process.

Without these proper tools and training, it’s highly dangerous to attempt DIY asbestos removal. Inadequate disposal of asbestos can lead to contamination of local environments, including water and soil, and result in severe legal and environmental consequences. The Australian government requires all asbestos waste to be disposed of at licensed waste disposal centres, and failing to comply can result in heavy fines and penalties.

Safe Removal: What the Experts Say

“font-weight: 400;”>Although it’s tempting to save money by attempting to remove asbestos artex yourself, experts agree that the best option is always to hire licensed professionals. Here’s why:

Expert Opinions on DIY Removal

style=”font-weight: 400;” aria-level=”1″>Trained and Certified Professionals: Licensed asbestos removalists are trained in the correct removal procedures and h

ve the proper equipment to handle asbestos safely. They also follow strict health and safety regulations, ensuring that they minimise the r

Health Risks of Mistakes: Even a minor mistake during DIY asbestos removal can lead to disastrous results. A small error can result in asbestos fibres becoming airborne and spreading throughout your home. Experts caution that even brief exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems. According to Safe Work Australia, the majority of deaths from asbestos-related diseases occur in people who were exposed in their homes, showing just how risky DIY asbestos removal</b> can be.

Why Professional Services Are Essential

Professional companies like Crown Asbestos Removal provide services that are tailored to the safe removal of asbestos artex. Here’s what they offer:

Certified Removal: Professionals follow Australian safety standards, ensuring that asbestos is removed safely and efficiently. They also adhere to the Code of Practice for Asbestos removal, which ensures that all legal requirements are met.
Proper Disposal: After removal, professionals take care of proper disposal. This involves transporting asbestos to licensed disposal sites using special containment and handling procedures.
Environmental Protection: Professional companies also ensure that the surrounding environment is protected from asbestos contamination. This means that your home, your neighbors, and the community are safe from exposure.

Cost and Time Benefits of Hiring Professionals

While DIY removal may seem like a way to save money, it’s actually more expensive in the long run. Hiring licensed experts ensures that the job is done correctly the first time, reducing the risk of health issues, contamination, and additional costs due to mistakes.

“font-weight: 400;”>The average cost of professional asbestos removal in Australia ranges from

$50 to $100 per square metertyle=”font-weight: 400;”>, depending on the complexity of the job. This might seem like a large expense, but it includes safe disposal, proper handling, and expert labor, all of which help to keep you safe.

-level=”1″>Hiring a professional team can also save you time and stress. Removing asbestos is a delicate process that requires careful planning, so it’s much quicker and easier to let experts handle it.

Why You Should Hire a Licensed Professional

When it comes to asbestos removal, especially from asbestos artex, it’s best to leave the job to the experts. Here’s why hiring a licensed professional like Crown Asbestos Removal

Licensed and insured professionals: Our team at Crown Asbestos Removal is fully licensed and insured to carry out safe asbestos removal. This means you’re protected from any risks that may come up during the process. According to the Safe Work Australia guidelines, only licensed professionals should handle asbestos, as they have the right training to do it safely. This helps prevent accidents and ensures the job is done right.
Safe and eco-friendly removal methods: At Crown Asbestos Removal, we use safe and environmentally-friendly methods to remove asbestos. This isn’t just good for the planet – it’s essential for your health. Disturbing asbestos improperly can release dangerous fibers, increasing asbestos-related disease risks. In Australia, 1 in 3 homes built before 1987 contain asbestos. So, it’s crucial to have the right experts for the job. Our team uses high-quality equipment to contain and remove asbestos safely, ensuring it doesn’t affect you or your surroundings.
Compliance with Australian safety regulations: Australia has strict laws regarding the removal and disposal of asbestos, especially in homes and workplaces. According to Safe Work Australia, the risk of exposure to asbestos can be reduced significantly if the removal is done by licensed professionals who follow safety protocols. Hiring a non-licensed worker can result in breaking the law and risking hefty fines. With Crown Asbestos Removal, you get peace of mind knowing we fully comply with all Australian safety regulations, including the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011.

What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Artex in Your Home

If you think your home has asbestos artex, follow these important steps to protect your health and your family:

Don’t disturb it: If you see asbestos artex on your walls or ceilings, don’t touch it. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases harmful fibers into the air, which can be dangerous if inhaled. Even small amounts of disturbed asbestos can lead to serious health problems over time, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Get a professional asbestos test: The next step is to get a professional asbestos test. If you are unsure whether the material contains asbestos, call a licensed expert to test it. They can confirm whether the material is safe or hazardous. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and testing is an easy way to get peace of mind.
Consult experts for the best removal plan: If your test results show you have asbestos artex, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Crown Asbestos Removal can help guide you through the best and safest removal options. We’ll provide you with a clear, step-by-step removal plan tailored to your home. Our experts will handle everything from removal to proper disposal, ensuring your home is free from dangerous asbestos.

If you suspect you have asbestos artex in your home, don’t wait. Contact Crown Asbestos Removal for a free consultation. Our team of licensed professionals will help you take the safest steps to protect your family and your home. Plus, we’ll give you expert advice on how to handle the situation properly, from start to finish.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the question of, can I remove asbestos artex myself? is one that should be answered with caution. The risks involved in handling asbestos are significant, and even a small mistake can have long-lasting health consequences. It’s best to hire licensed professionals for safe asbestos removal instead of doing it yourself. We are fully licensed and insured, following the highest industry standards to ensure a safe and effective removal process.

With years of experience, our certified team provides the safest, most eco-friendly asbestos removal services in Australia. We handle everything from asbestos monitoring to proper disposal and decontamination, so you don’t have to worry. So, why take risks with your health and your home?

Are you ready to make sure your home is safe from asbestos artex? Contact Crown Asbestos Removal today for a free consultation, and let us take care of the rest!