Textured products that contain asbestos were widely used in homes and commercial buildings during the mid-1900s. Two commonly used textured products containing asbestos include:

Textured coatings
Textured paints

While the use of asbestos in these products was phased out during the 1980s, textured coatings and paints that contain asbestos are still present in a number of older homes and buildings. For this reason, individuals seeking to make renovations or changes to buildings or homes that contain textured coatings or paints should seek professional assistance first to test for the presence of asbestos.

Uses of Asbestos in Coatings and Paints

Textured coatings that contain asbestos were used for a variety of decorative and protective purposes. They were frequently used to conceal or diminish construction flaws on ceilings or other common household surfaces. Asbestos was an appealing material for textured coatings because it provided a unique combination of strength, flexibility and insulation.

Textured coatings and paints were generally made with only a small amount of asbestos, and most were typically composed of less than 10 percent of the substance. While this percentage is less than the asbestos component of many other construction materials, textured asbestos coatings and paints have still placed individuals at risk of asbestos exposure.

Brand Names of Textured Asbestos Products

Common brand name textured coating and paint products that have been produced with asbestos in the past include:

Artex
Marblecoat
Newtex
Pebblecoat
Suretex
Wondertex

Hazards of Textured Coatings and Paints

When textured coatings and paints are in good condition and left untouched, they generally do not pose a health concern. However, when the products are sanded down, weathered or otherwise tampered with, they can deteriorate to the point where they become friable, meaning they can crumble easily.

When this happens, the products can release harmful microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, which then places individuals in the surrounding area at risk of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases. These fibers may also collect on a nearby individual's clothing, leading them to be carried into other homes or buildings, where additional people may be placed at risk of exposure.

Recent studies have suggested that the risks of asbestos exposure from textured coatings and paints are lower than previously thought. However, because the products still contain asbestos, they do still pose health hazards. Also, in many cases, textured coatings or paints that contain asbestos were used to cover other construction materials that contain asbestos, such as asbestos insulating board.

When textured coatings or paints release harmful asbestos fibers into the air, these fibers can be inhaled or ingested by individuals in the nearby area. Once in the body, asbestos fibers can lead to the development of inflammation over time. In some cases, their presence can eventually lead to the development of a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.

Individuals Affected by Textured Coatings & Paints

Textured products containing asbestos have commonly placed the following workers at high risk of exposure:

Painters
Construction workers
Maintenance workers
Demolition crews

The materials have also placed other individuals at risk of asbestos exposure. These individuals include, but are not limited to, the following:

Homeowners
Students
Office workers
Hardware store employees

Any individuals located in areas where asbestos fibers have been released into the air from textured coatings or paints are at risk of hazardous exposure to the substance.

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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center | Last Modified Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.