Wall filler is one of the most common asbestos-containing materials in Finnish buildings. Asbestos-containing fillers were used especially in the 1960s to 1980s to smooth walls and ceilings before painting or wallpapering.
Why was asbestos used in fillers?
Asbestos fibers were added to fillers to improve the material's strength, adhesion and crack resistance. Asbestos-containing filler was easier to work with and was more resistant to temperature fluctuations. The most commonly used type of asbestos in fillers was chrysotile (white asbestos).
How to recognize an asbestos-containing filler?
Asbestos-containing filler cannot be visually identified. It looks and feels the same as an asbestos-free filler. The only reliable means of identification is laboratory analysis.
The risk level is high if:
- The building is built from the 1960s to 1980s
- The walls still carry their original filler
- The filler is gray or light gray
- The leveling layer is several millimeters thick
Risks
Intact asbestos-containing filler is not an immediate health risk, as the asbestos fibers are bound to the material. The risk arises when the filler is dismantled, sanded or drilled. These procedures release asbestos fibers into the breathing air, where they can cause serious lung diseases.
Grinding the filler without proper protection is particularly dangerous - in this case, large amounts of finely divided dust and asbestos fibers are released into the air.
What to do?
Before renovation
Take a sample of the filler and send it for laboratory analysis, or order an asbestos survey. You can take the sample yourself with, for example, a chisel - a small, coin-sized piece is enough.
If asbestos is found
Removal of asbestos-containing filler is asbestos removal work. Options include:
- Dismantling - an authorized removal company removes the filler using the compartmentalization method
- Encapsulation - the filler is left in place and covered with new material (possible in certain cases)
Sample price
Analyzing the asbestos sample of the wall filler costs 39,90 € + VAT. The asbestos survey of the entire apartment, which covers all materials, begins 119 € incl. VAT.