Classroom asbestos – 10,000 pupils and teachers have died in 40 years

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It has recently been confirmed that about 10,000 pupils and teachers have died due to asbestos in schools within the last four decades.

Figures were produced by the Joint Asbestos Committee, revealing that the large number of deaths have been caused by toxic asbestos-containing material used in classrooms and school settings between the decades spanning 1980 to 2017.

Classroom asbestos

Many materials that contain asbestos release fibres into the air when they are disturbed or damaged as buildings start to deteriorate. When these fibres are inhaled it can cause numerous serious diseases.

However, the use of asbestos was banned in 1999 – but there are concerns that around 21,500 schools could still contain it. In evidence presented to the National Audit Office, it was estimated last week that there could be up to 24,000 school buildings that are past their initially intended lifespan, which could lead to deterioration within the structures.

The Committee represents eight teaching unions, which claims that the deaths are a result of mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and the lining surrounded in the lower digestive tract.

This condition is exclusively related to asbestos exposure and when eventually diagnosed, it is always fatal. The statistics of deaths from asbestos are expected to fall within the next decade, as less people are exposed to it. Experts have predicted there will be a surge in various cancer cases within the next 30 to 40 years if nothing is done to remove asbestos present in existing buildings.

Around 6 million tons of asbestos remain inside 1.5 million buildings in the UK, including hospitals and schools. This had urged the government to reform certain policies to save teachers and nurses from coming into contact with asbestos and contracting related illnesses.

‘Phased removal’ of asbestos-containing substances is required in affected buildings, rather than it leaving it undisturbed which is the current case in many places.

If you feel that your diagnosis have been caused because of your work and wish to enquire about a potential claim for compensation, please contact us.

Classroom asbestos – 10,000 pupils and teachers have died in 40 years

It has recently been confirmed that about 10,000 pupils and teachers have died due to asbestos in schools within the last four decades.

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