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Vandalism raises risk of asbestos exposure

Jun 8, 2007 | Craig Brown | The Scotsman

TEACHING staff must ensure schools are asbestos free, EIS delegates were told yesterday.

The body's AGM heard the danger of asbestos in older schools and educational establishments was one that had to be addressed urgently.

Kenneth Brown, of the East Dunbartonshire Association, said pupils and teachers were potentially being exposed to levels of asbestos fibres that exceeded government guidelines.

He claimed vandalism and poor maintenance means concealed asbestos can suddenly become exposed.

When inhaled, the fibres can lead to cancer. He stressed 13 people die from asbestos related cancer in the UK every year.

"Poor structural care and vandalism makes school buildings much more vulnerable," he said. Mr Brown added teachers had to take it upon themselves to identify the risks.

The delegates unanimously carried his motion instructing the ruling council to ensure all regulations relating to the monitoring and control of asbestos were implemented in schools.