Freedom Of Information Act Request Revealed 71 of 77 Local Authority Schools In Bath And North East Somerset Contained Asbestos

Expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at law firm Irwin Mitchell have renewed calls for an ‘at risk’ register of public buildings containing the substance, after an investigation by The Bath Chronicle revealed that asbestos is present in 71 academies and local authority schools in Bath and North East Somerset.

In a report on January 3, the newspaper revealed that out of 77 academies and local authority schools in Bath and North East Somerset, 71 are known to contain asbestos, according to the results of a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request.

Five schools contain no asbestos and one had no information available.

The FOI does not include details of any of the city's private schools.

Now, in the wake of the findings, asbestos-related disease specialists at Irwin Mitchell have renewed their calls for an ‘at risk’ register of public buildings containing the substance as well as improved monitoring and management.

Asbestos was used in the construction and insulation of public buildings such as schools, and hospitals for decades due to its fire retardant properties, and was a component in a wide range of products including cement, sealants, pipe and boiler insulating material, corrugated roofing, ceiling tiles, wall tiles and wall insulation.

But as the substance deteriorates and falls into disrepair it can pose a danger to the health of those who come into contact with the dust and fibres.

When asbestos dust or fibres become airborne and are breathed in, it can cause a number of serious diseases including mesothelioma - an aggressive and incurable form of lung cancer, other lung cancers and asbestosis - a serious scarring condition of the lungs.

Irwin Mitchell has represented clients who contracted asbestos-related diseases while working as teachers, shop assistants during periods of building renovation and tradesmen – such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters.

Those suffering from asbestos-related disease are sometimes diagnosed decades after exposure, making it challenging to pinpoint where they came into contact with the dangerous fibres.

Expert Opinion

“Concerns regarding the presence of asbestos in schools have not diminished and the Chronicle’s FOI request highlights the number of people who could be affected if the material was incorrectly managed or disturbed.

“We have repeatedly called upon Government to introduce a full risk register to document the presence of asbestos in public buildings including schools, and for that the register to be maintained through a programme of regular and robust inspections.

“Transparency and clarity are essential here and we feel that those who work at or visit sites where asbestos is present, such as schools and hospitals, should also be informed of the fact.

“Asbestos exposure is often linked to industrial environments or trade professions, but we are seeing more and more cases where people have been exposed within schools years before diagnosis. This is an issue which requires urgent attention and it is vital that Government takes steps on the matter.” Virginia Chalmers - Partner

Our expert asbestos solicitors will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to an asbestos related illness. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.