There have been further calls for action following the release of information about the level of asbestos present in the nation’s schools. An all-party group of MPs and peers have criticised the lack of steps taken to remedy the situation.

Asbestos was used widely as an insulating material at a time when many schools were built. The asbestos has never been removed from a huge amount of these schools and is believed to be present in around 75% of them.

There is competing guidance as to whether asbestos should be left in situ in such buildings or removed. Whilst many believe that removing the asbestos generates more problems than it solves by releasing the fibres into the atmosphere, many others believe that there should be a phased removal of the asbestos to eliminate the ongoing risk.

There have been over 140 cases of schoolteachers contracting mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung which is associated with exposure to low levels of asbestos. Until remedial action is taken, we may sadly see many more such claims.