Asbestos in Schools 'A National Scandal' in United Kingdom

Asbestos contamination in schools throughout the United Kingdom is "a national scandal,'' according to one Member of Parliament who has asked for swift action to correct the growing health concern. More than 140 teachers at British state schools died over the past decade from mesothelioma, which is caused almost exclusively by an exposure to asbestos fibers. "Asbestos does not just harm, it kills, which makes it quite unbelievable that as a country we allow children and staff in schools to be exposed to it," said Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, in a news release issued today. "Now is the time for the Government to stop burying its head in the sand." The Department of Education, in a report issued in 2011, estimated that 75 percent of schools throughout the country contain some level of asbestos, according to The Telegraph. In 2010, the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association presented to Parliament a report that said the majority of schools, "are not managing their asbestos effectively, or safely." The Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health (PGOSH), which has no legislative power of its own, has outlined several recommendation that it has called on government officials to address, according to BBC News. Among the recommendations are a detailed program for a phased removal of all asbestos, annual updates for parents, teachers and staff about asbestos in each school, and reinstating inspections of asbestos management. "...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure & Bans Source Type: news