08 Feb 2012
The lives of many children are potentially being put at risk because the amount of asbestos remaining in school buildings is unknown, an MP has warned.
Wansbeck Labour MP Ian Lavery said that simple, everyday actions such as removing drawing pins from walls or slamming doors could release dangerous particles, while many schools' central heating systems are insulated with lagging which contains asbestos.
The issue underscores the potential value of public liability insurance for schools.
Mr Lavery said parents have the right to know whether their children are at risk and demanded that an audit is carried out by the Government to determine the levels of asbestos still in the country's schools.
He told the Commons: "In terms of openness we have a huge problem. The presence and incidents of asbestos fibre release is often played down. It's accurate to suggest that many parents are not aware or not informed of the presence of asbestos at their children's place of education.
"A recent survey found that at least a half of school staff were not informed of the problem either."
However, the Health and Safety Executive advises that it is safer to leave remaining asbestos undisturbed rather than try to remove it, education minister Nick Gibb said.
Copyright Press Association 2012
