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Asbestos in schools putting thousands of lives at risk
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Children and teachers are at risk of asbestos-related disease and the fatal cancer mesothelioma, a new report has revealed.
A group of MPs, Union leaders and families have persuaded the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association to inspect 100 English schools – after the Government refused funding.
Their report found deadly asbestos in many schools and it's thought that thousands more schools will have asbestos in the fabric of their buildings. Asbestos was used as insulation or fire protection from the 1940s to the 1980s and most schools will contain asbestos.
Some schools even had asbestos particles in the air – thought to be the result of building work where workmen have inadvertently disturbed the asbestos. Many schools simply don't know the rules for managing asbestos and the report found that staff training on asbestos was "either poor or non-existent".
Asbestos-related disease including mesothelioma claims the lives of 16 teachers and former teachers each year. The levels of asbestos in schools also put thousands of children at risk of developing asbestos-related disease later in life.
Local councils must keep records of which schools contain asbestos and many have simply opted to leave it in place as being 'safer' than removing it.
But the campaigners behind the report argue that the asbestos will be an even greater risk over time as it will be disturbed by renovation works and general wear and tear. This would release asbestos fibres into the air which could cause diseases like mesothelioma.
If you have contracted an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma from your workplace, you may be able to claim compensation. Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors has an expert team which has great success in claiming compensation for asbestos disease including mesothelioma – call now on:
Freephone: 0800 634 1626 or simply drop us an email
using our online enquiry form.
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Phillip Gower
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08/02/2010
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