Irwin Mitchell Calls For ‘Thorough Investigation’ To Establish Extent Of Problem

The sale of science lab equipment containing hazardous asbestos to schools across the UK is ‘extremely worrying,’ specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have said. 

The Health and Safety Executive has revealed that two companies have sold metal gauze mats, which are designed for use over Bunsen burners, to schools over a number of years. Teaching unions believe the sale of equipment could date back to the 1970s.

Specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have expressed their concern.

Adrian Budgen, partner and national head of asbestos-related disease at Irwin Mitchell, advised schools to stop using gauzes which date back to the 1970s while a full investigation is completed.

Expert Opinion

“Through our work we are all too aware of the dangers that exposure to asbestos can pose, not only to those who worked in industrial settings but also public buildings such as schools.

“For many years we have been aware of asbestos in the fabric of school buildings and have campaigned for its removal. To now hear that potentially thousands of pupils and teachers could possibly have been exposed to the hazardous material during routine science experiments is extremely worrying, especially as the signs of asbestos-related disease often take decades to develop following exposure.

“It is only right that the government now undertakes a thorough investigation to fully establish the extent of the issue. In the meantime we would advise that schools stop using the gauzes.” Adrian Budgen - National Head of Asbestos and Occupational Disease

The HSE said it could not reveal the name of the companies involved but said both were cooperating with its investigation.

The Department for Education said it had written to all schools and colleges advising them to take measures to remove and dispose of mesh gauzes.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling asbestos related disease cases.