<P> As of 2016 Artex is still sold, but the textured ceiling finishes are much less popular . </P> <P> One issue with Artex ceilings is that matching the pattern seamlessly when repairing is impossible . The poor appearance of repaired ceilings harmed its popularity . Furthermore, removal of Artex can be rather difficult . </P> <P> Until the mid-1980s, the Artex coating was made with white asbestos to strengthen it . Therefore old Artex manufactured by Artex Ltd. will contain asbestos while Artex coatings applied after 2000 may or may not contain asbestos . It is also worth noting that the texture is only harmful when in a powder form, i.e., being sanded, and poses no risk while it is undisturbed (without drilling holes or more substantial practices) on ceilings or walls and covered with emulsion paint . </P> <P> Removing even more modern non-asbestos coatings can expose the operator to hazardous dust particles . Older coatings, containing asbestos, pose a particularly serious hazard . Inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, a fibrosing lung disease; pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining (pleura) of the lung; and peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen . Professional expertise to identify the presence of asbestos is recommended . Only those trained to remove the coating or working with a surface covered with the substance should do so only wearing effective dust - proof protective clothing and masks and the area being worked on should be sealed off . Removal of asbestos - containing Artex is covered by the UK's Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, although in many cases this work falls within exemptions to the licensing requirements and so does not usually require use of a licensed contractor . In cases where the risk is higher, the regulations make it unlawful for a contractor not licensed by the country's Health and Safety Executive to undertake the work . In the UK, once removed, Artex and any other substance containing asbestos must be disposed of as hazardous waste . If the coating is left alone and coated with paint and undamaged, it may be safe to leave the coating in place and managed in situ by annual inspection . </P>

When did asbestos stop being used in artex in uk
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