Decorating for Christmas Could Bring Asbestos Exposure in UK

The organization representing education worker unions in the United Kingdom has cautioned its members to avoid disturbing asbestos and endangering children when displaying Christmas decorations in school classrooms. The Joint Union Asbestos Committee (JUAC) — through the Department of Education — issued a directive to staffs throughout the U.K., reminding them nearly 90 percent of schools still contain some toxic asbestos products. JUAC said putting staples and pins into walls or ceilings to help display holiday decorations often releases microscopic asbestos fibers that can cause serious health issues for those nearby. “This activity should not be taking place in schools where asbestos is known to be present,” the Department of Education insisted. JUAC advised school staffs to: Determine whether your building contains asbestos and exactly where it is located. Not pierce the walls and ceilings of classrooms, corridors or halls with staples or pins to hang Christmas decorations if asbestos is suspected. Find alternative ways to display holiday decorations and other artwork. “Any school built before 2000 is likely to contain asbestos,” the JUAC directive said. “Nearly 90 percent of schools still contain asbestos and children are known to be most vulnerable because of the long latency of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.” Even with Asbestos Ban, the Problem Remains The U.K. is among 61 countries that have banned the toxic mineral, but still has on...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: asbestos exposure Christmas decorations Department of Education environmental protection agency Health and Safety Executive Joint Union Asbestos Committee public schools school classrooms United Kingdom Source Type: news