Teaching unions wants schools clear of asbestos by 2010

Published on Mon 31 March 2008

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has called for asbestos to be removed from all educational establishments by 2010.

ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said:

"We are deeply concerned about the continuing risk to teachers, support staff and pupils from asbestos.

"We don't know how many schools still contain asbestos, so most teachers have little idea of whether they or their pupils are being exposed.

"Schools should keep and maintain asbestos registers to record the locations and condition of any asbestos, and let staff know.

"Over 400 ATL members know they have been exposed to asbestos in their school or college. But this is the tip of the iceberg. Many teachers and pupils will be unaware, and because asbestos related illnesses take between 15 to 60 years to develop it is difficult to know how many will become ill or die as a result of exposure."

There have been a number of cases of teachers dying of asbestos related diseases. The cancer-causing material was widely used in buildings until the 1980's.

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