Concerns over asbestos in schools are resurfacing following a comprehensive BBC investigation, revealing shocking data about the presence and impact of asbestos in educational settings. With thousands of school buildings containing asbestos, it’s crucial that parents, teachers, and policymakers understand the risks and take immediate action to ensure student safety.
1. Over 12,600 Schools in England Contain Asbestos
According to Freedom of Information requests made by the BBC, at least 12,600 schools in England are confirmed to contain asbestos materials. This number excludes academy schools, meaning the actual figure could be even higher. The prevalence of asbestos in school infrastructure remains a deeply troubling concern.
2. Councils Have Paid Out Over £10 Million in Compensation
In the last decade, 32 councils in England have paid more than £10 million in compensation to former teachers, pupils, and staff who developed asbestos-related illnesses. This highlights the ongoing consequences of childhood exposure, even decades later.
3. Potentially 300 Asbestos-Related Deaths Linked to Schools
The National Union of Teachers estimates that up to 300 people per year may die due to asbestos exposure in schools. These tragic statistics show that asbestos in schools is not merely a relic of the past – its health implications are present and deadly.
4. Disturbances Happen on a National Scale
Over the past five years, local authorities recorded 99 instances of major asbestos disturbance, situations where exposure risk was significantly increased. Without proper management, everyday maintenance or renovations can elevate the threat of asbestos exposure within school premises.
5. Asbestos Often Tied to Construction Methods
Many schools were built using systems like CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme), which often incorporated asbestos for fireproofing and insulation. Approximately 3,000 CLASP buildings still in use across Britain pose particular risks due to their construction methods.
Why Asbestos in Schools Matters
Despite a UK-wide ban on asbestos use – amphibole types outlawed in the mid-1980s and white (chrysotile) banned in 1999 – older buildings still contain it, with effects often not emerging until decades after initial exposure.
Health Risks
- Mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the lung lining
- Asbestosis, chronic lung scarring
- Various other cancers, often linked to long-term, low-level exposure
Longevity of Danger
Asbestos fibres can remain dormant for 20–50 years before causing disease . A child exposed today may not face serious consequences until well into adulthood.
Calls for Action
Pressure has mounted on the government to accelerate renovation and removal programmes. Though £23 billion has been allocated to improve school buildings, campaigners argue this is insufficient to fully address the asbestos crisis in schools.
What Schools and Authorities Should Do:
- Conduct comprehensive asbestos surveys in all school buildings
- Ensure rigorous training for all maintenance staff
- Implement effective management plans, including safe removal and containment
- Establish transparent monitoring and public reporting
What Parents and Teachers Can Do
- Ask Questions: Inquire whether your child’s school has an asbestos register and management plan.
- Attend Meetings: Push for discussion on asbestos during parent–teacher associations.
- Campaign: Lobby local authorities and MPs to fund urgent removal projects.
- Promote Awareness: Organise or attend informational sessions about asbestos risks.
Success Stories & Lessons
Schools in several London boroughs and other regions have begun targeted projects to remove asbestos, with principal-led awareness campaigns proving effective. These initiatives show that community involvement can drive essential change.
The issue of asbestos in schools remains a pressing public health concern in England. With thousands of school buildings still containing hazardous materials and tragic asbestos-related illnesses resulting from decades-old exposure, the time to act is now. Ensuring every school has a clear asbestos management strategy isn’t just prudent – it’s a moral imperative to protect future generations.
Final Takeaway:
- ✅ Over 12,600 schools contain asbestos
- 💷 £10 million paid in compensation
- ⚠️ Up to 300 deaths per year linked to school exposure
- 🔧 99 major disturbance events reported in five years
- 🏫 Around 3,000 CLASP school buildings still in use
For parents, teachers, and school leaders: proactive engagement and advocacy are vital. Start conversations, demand transparency, and ensure that asbestos in schools doesn’t jeopardise the health and future of children.