Thanks that’s helpful. I’ll call tomorrow to get someone to come and test it. They did it in the hallway and my little boys room is right next to it and was sleeping in there soon after. It never crossed my mind until now that it could have been harmful :( I feel awful. I’m also going to call the guys that did the job tomorrow and ask them about it-surely this is something all workmen should be trained up on. Just not sure whether to stay in the house till it’s tested or whether we need to find somewhere else to stay. 

Hi Mazza27.

If I might offer a little word of reassurance. Of course, no one should deliberately seek out asbestos exposure, but it will happen to all of us from time to time.  I do know I've been exposed several times in my youth; I mentioned this to my GP a year or two back and had a precautionary chest X-ray - which was clear. 

Not all forms of artex contained asbestos, but when it was present then it contained a type called "white" asbestos, which is actually the least risky form. Unlike the other forms, the body appears to be able to naturally clear out white asbestos fibres. It still needs to be treated with respect, but it does mean that there's no need to panic if you get accidentally exposed.

Most people who suffer from asbestos diseases have worked with the material for a long time (without taking due precautions) and most of them smoked. Asbestos and tobacco are a lethal combination, which is yet another reason not to smoke. 

In your latest message you said you were going to contact the workmen; I'd be really interested to hear what they've got to say. I dare say that they're at much greater risk than the average householder and I'd like to know if they're "asbestos aware". I bet most of them are smokers, too. 

Thanks Telemando, yesbthat does help. It’s more my son that I’m worried about as I understand with little ones their lungs aren’t fully developed yet and I’m a constant worrier as a parent! 

I did contact the office- the lady on reception tried to reassure me and told me that they are all asbestos trained, I asked her to get in touch with the workmen and speak to them directly - I’m still awaiting a response. 

I also contacted a company to request some samples as we have further decorating we wish to carry out. She advised their is a stronger possibility the ceiling does contain asbestos but unlikely to be more than 2% and the one off exposure is unlikely to lead To disease, she said there’s nothing I can but let it be a lesson in life. She also said it was extremely negligent of the guys not to have asked the question before commencing anyworks as it was used very often and they should of been aware. We are having some samples done Friday. 

Hi. I would love to hear what the results from your samples were? We are currently considering buying a house 1970's and are also worried about the asbestos.