Conflicting opinion on school asbestos policy

Opinion on the risks of asbestos in schools appear divided with some scientists believing that all should be removed from schools with others, notably the Health and Safety Executive, stating that there is little risk so long as the material is not disturbed.

It is thought that asbestos has been used in around three-quarters of the UK’s schools but governments have consistently fought shy of ordering a full national survey and risk assessment of management plans in relation to the material.

The HSE believes that if left undisturbed, the presence of asbestos is not a cause for concern but that view has been rejected by school trade unions and the chairman of the parliamentary group on occupational health and safety who believe its presence in schools is a risk in itself. That view has been supported by Dr Jeremy Steele, co-director of Bart’s hospital mesothelioma research team who says he can see no reason why a national survey and risk assessment into the issue should not take place.

Dr Robin Howie, a member of Watch, the government's advisory committee on science, agreed, saying: “HSE's reported assurance that asbestos in good condition in buildings poses 'absolutely no risk' is scientifically incorrect. All asbestos in schools, specifically including those in good condition, can constitute a risk.”

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