Northern Ireland schools still contain asbestos

Published on 28 Apr 2008

93 schools in Northern Ireland still contain asbestos, according to 4ni.co.uk.

The presence of the cancer-causing material is a bone of contention for teachers and parents, many of whom want to see it completely removed from all schools in the United Kingdom. The Health and Safety Executive has issued guidelines for the managment of asbestos in schools. Although teaching unions have expressed their desire to see asbestos removed the counter-argument holds that careful maintanance is safer, less disruptive and cheaper than removing the material entirely.

Northern Ireland Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said:

"The Education and Library Boards have completed asbestos surveys of schools and other educational buildings. All top priority asbestos has now been removed from school property. "Where it is not considered necessary to remove the asbestos immediately, the boards and other school authorities are responsible for managing the asbestos safely."

comments

With regard to the fact of asbestos being managed, the time and money spent on this action is inevitably delaying the inevitable - of accidental exposure at some point in time. Is this really the correct decision to impose on innocent children and staff of the schools? I think not.
posted by pauline on 29 Apr 2008 at 9:43am

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