New findings from Asbestos-Sampling.com have cast light on where asbestos testing and detection are most prevalent. The company processed 5,338 samples through its asbestos testing kits in 2023.
The study revealed that 60% of the samples came from Artex, a textured coating popular in the 1970s, indicating significant suspicion about asbestos in Artex ceilings and other domestic areas. Asbestos insulation boards (AIB), typically used in walls, ceiling tiles, and soffits, accounted for 14% of the samples. Other notable sources included 10% from floor tiles, 9% from cement roofing, 6% from insulation, and 1% from cement pipes.
Asbestos Sampling’s analysis showed that cement roofing samples were the most likely to be positive for asbestos, with 64% testing positive. This was followed by cement pipes at 57%, floor tiles at 43%, and AIB at 32%. Additionally, 17% of Artex and 2% of insulation samples were found to contain asbestos.
Stephen Roche, Co-founder of Asbestos Sampling, remarked: “Clearly, asbestos is a concern for thousands of people up and down the country, given the dangers of exposure. Our analysis emphasises the range of places that asbestos can be found, from Artex ceilings to cement roofing and pipes.”
The research also uncovered notable regional differences in asbestos findings. For instance, 81% of cement roofing samples from Wales tested positive, compared to 54% from Greater London. Artex testing yielded 28% positivity in Wales and the South East, but only 13% in Scotland.
Asbestos Sampling offers this guidance for those concerned about asbestos: “If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home, we recommend getting an asbestos survey carried out at the property to confirm its presence.”
Despite a ban over two decades ago, ResPublica estimates that about 1.5 million UK buildings still house around six million tons of asbestos.
