An all-party group is calling for a scheme to remove asbestos from schools.

MPs and peers have said that the presence of asbestos in most UK state schools constitutes a “national scandal”.

After studying estimates which suggest the material was present in more than 75% of state schools, an all-party group now wants to implement a scheme to remove the asbestos.

In the past 10 years more than a 140 teachers have died from the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, which is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.

Education chiefs are saying that it is unacceptable for schools to ignore guidance but that undamaged asbestos should not be disturbed.

In 2010 the Department for Education (DfE) revealed that its “best estimate” was that more than three-quarters of schools contain asbestos.

Chairman for the Parliamentary group on Occupational Safety and Health, Jim Sheridan said:

“This is a national scandal.”

“Urgent action is needed to prevent more pupils, teachers and other staff being exposed to this deadly killer dust.

He went onto say:

“We need both far greater awareness of the risks that this material poses and a programme for its phased removal.”

The group also recommended that parents, teachers and staff should be updated annually about asbestos in their schools, and the inspections into asbestos management should be reinstated.

The Department for Education said:

“If asbestos is not disturbed or damaged, then it is safer to leave it in situ, with strong systems in place to contain and monitor it”

Asbestos was often used in fireproofing and insulation from the 1950s until the mid – 1980s. It becomes dangerous when disturbed and if the fibres are inhaled it can cause fatal mesothelioma and debilitating asbestosis.

US researchers have found that for every death of a teacher from asbestos-related disease, nine children will die. Children are more vulnerable as they have longer than adults to develop diseases related to the material.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have said that, inhaling asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, accounting for 4000 deaths annually.

A DfE spokesman said the welfare of pupils and staff was paramount.

“It is unacceptable for any school not to comply with the strict statutory asbestos guidance – no ifs or buts,” he said.

But he added:

“HSE’s expert advice is based on the best current evidence.”

“It is absolutely clear that if asbestos is not disturbed or damaged, then it is safer to leave it in situ, with strong systems in place to contain and monitor it.”

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