It was revealed this year that some schools are still failing to meet their legal duty to protect pupils from potentially deadly asbestos. The findings were the result of a snapshot survey of 16 British schools by the Asbestos Training and Consultancy Association.
Mesothelioma and asbestosis are deadly conditions caused by the inhalation of dangerous asbestos fibres. This means that asbestos only becomes dangerous when it is disturbed or damaged and its cotton like fibres become dislodged. Experts have said that over half of the schools they visited contained damaged asbestos which poses a substantial health risk to all those exposed.
The government advise that asbestos in schools should be left alone and have introduced management schemes rather than removal plans. But worrying statistics have arisen that show the death toll from their decision could be substantial. Approximately 178 teachers and support staff have died over the last 25 years due to asbestos-related illnesses. And with children thought to be far more susceptible to these diseases it can only be predicted what will happen in the future if this asbestos is not safely removed.
One teacher with the disease, Carole Hagerdon, is dying from the aggressive lung cancer mesothelioma, aged just 58. She contracted the disease after working in schools for 34 years and warned of the threat to pupils and staff. Male teachers are 10 times more likely than the average man to develop an asbestos-related disease, and female teachers are 2.5 times more likely than the average woman.
Teaching unions are now campaigning for a widespread audit of asbestos dangers in schools. Schools Minister Iain Wright promised that the government would issue guidance on asbestos management for head teachers, governors and local authorities and that training would be offered. But is this too little too late? Most people now say they would like to see asbestos completely eradicated from schools.
Speak to an asbestos solicitor for advice on Asbestos related diseases compensation.
