Once considered a ‘wonder material’ thanks to its heat-resistant properties and because it’s resistant to dampness and mould, Asbestos is now recognised as extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, it’s been used for decades as a building material, and if your school was built before its use was banned in 1999, it’s likely to be present on-site.
The ongoing RAAC crisis and subsequent crumbling school buildings are likely to release asbestos, and quite rightly has created a new wave of concern. But what are the dangers? What does asbestos look like? And what progress has been made to remedy this danger? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more.
What is asbestos?
In a nutshell, it’s a mineral. Fireproof, strong, and resistant to damp. You can see why it’d be useful in building materials. But it’s also friable – this means it crumbs easily, and when it does, microscopic fibres get released into the air, where they can be breathed in and cause some very nasty illnesses. If it’s trapped within a building material such as concrete, it’s not necessarily a threat if it remains in good condition – until that material is disturbed or breaks down, at least.
What dangers does it pose?
If asbestos fibres make their way into your body, you probably won’t notice for a long time. But they can cause diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Teachers and students can be at risk of exposure, more so than the rest of the population as it’s found in most schools.
Where can it be found in schools?
Asbestos in schools is a big issue, especially if the school was built before the 1980s. It can be found in roof tiles, external window panels, cement walls, roofing sheets, insulation, and various hard plastics. It was even mixed into the cement between bricks.
How many schools does this affect?
Figures are as high as 81% of schools and 74% of university buildings. Figures show at least 21,500 schools contain asbestos.
Why is it still present?
Short answer – cash. It’s expensive and time-consuming to remove and replace affected buildings. Do you have it in your budget? If your school is in a good state of repair, this may not be a huge problem, at least in the short term. But at some point, it will have to be resolved, and in the meantime, there’s still an element of risk.
What progress is being made to resolve this issue?
In truth, not enough. The HSE has provided asbestos checklists to help schools review their asbestos management arrangements and are actively inspecting. The removal of RAAC has had some impact, though – as old concrete is removed, so too is asbestos. Organising the removal of asbestos is the responsibility of the school or governing body.
What can I do to help protect myself and others?
Educate yourself and others – take an asbestos awareness course and find out what you can do, who the duty holder is and ensure the school has carried out asbestos services. More practically, avoid putting pins, screws and staples into ceiling or wall panels. And be sure to report any damage to materials potentially containing asbestos.
Once praised for its utility, asbestos is now known as a hazardous material which causes cancer and respiratory illnesses. It’s still very common, used in lots of things, particularly in older schools, and its removal is costly. Progress is slow, but awareness, education, and cautious handling are vital for safety.
Find out more about Asbestos Management in Schools
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