Understanding the Risks of Asbestos in UK Schools: What Parents and Staff Need to Know
With our children and young adults returning to school in September, our thoughts turn to the issue of Asbestos being commonly found in UK schools.
It is well known that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause a cancer of the lining of the lung, called Mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms of Mesothelioma often do not appear until decades after the dust is inhaled.
What may not be widely known is that Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM’s) were used extensively in the construction of schools and other public buildings from the 1950’s until the use of asbestos in Great Britain was completely banned in 1999. According to the Health and Safety Executive, many school buildings constructed or refurbished during this period still contain a significant amount of Asbestos-Containing Materials.
The issue of exposure to asbestos was once believed to be confined to industrial workers and a problem of the past, but according to the Asbestos in Schools The Need for Action report published by the All-Parliamentary Group on Occupational Health and Safety, more than 75% of Britain’s State Schools still contain asbestos. As such, it is clear that asbestos in schools is an ongoing problem, meaning our children and school staff may continue to be exposed to dust from Asbestos-Containing Materials.
The report further notes that much of the asbestos contained in our schools is badly maintained and that more than 228 school teachers have died of mesothelioma since 1980, with 140 dying in the last ten years. School caretakers, cleaners, cooks, secretaries, teaching assistants and nursery nurses have also died of the cancer.
Because of the long latency period between exposure and diagnosis, the number of children who have died later in life as a result of exposure to asbestos whilst at school is unknown.
It is important to note however that asbestos that is in good condition and that is unlikely to be damaged or disturbed should not pose a significant risk to health, provided it is properly maintained and managed. There are strict legal duties on schools to manage Asbestos-Containing Materials.
If you are concerned about a particular school, you can take a look at the Health and Safety Executive’s website and view their asbestos management checklist for schools. The checklist and HSE website provide useful information regarding asbestos in schools. If there are still concerns you may wish to seek reassurance from the school or relevant local authority.
What can you do if you believe you have been exposed to asbestos dust at school?
It is important to keep a record of any asbestos exposure of which you are aware, as this information would be valuable for anyone who develops an asbestos-related disease later in life, since a record of past exposure could assist in pursuing a claim for compensation. You should also report any exposure to your GP, so that there is a medical record available for future reference.
What can you do if you believe you have developed an asbestos-related disease due to asbestos exposure in a school?
Contact us for confidential help and legal advice. Our specialist asbestos team of leading solicitors have been working with clients to seek Asbestos and Mesothelioma compensation for many years. We understand what is required and have specialist skills and legal knowledge relating to asbestos exposure and the potential life-long hazards that it may present. Call us on 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.
