Figures Highlight Terrible Consequences Of Asbestos Exposure

New figures which reveal that a teacher dies every month following exposure to asbestos in schools they have worked in cannot go unnoticed, a leading expert at Irwin Mitchell has demanded.

Research obtained by the Daily Express revealed that 64 teachers have died from mesothelioma, the cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos fibres, in the past five years.

It was also suggested that, for every single teacher exposed, up to 20 youngsters could be exposed to the deadly material.

Irwin Mitchell works with a number of victims who are suffering from mesothelioma as result of asbestos exposure, as well as the loved ones of those who have sadly died because of the condition.

David Cass, an asbestos-related disease specialist at the firm, said: “These shocking figures highlight the continuing consequences that exposure to the deadly material in schools has on so many people every year.

“What is perhaps most terrible is that, as shown by HSE research last year, many local authorities still have no procedures in place to ensure that the material is managed in a manner that ensures neither teachers nor pupils are placed at risk.

“Considering the potential impact of not recognising the risks, it is safe to say that any failings must not be tolerated any longer.

“The future of both teachers and pupils is undoubtedly at stake and it is up to both councils and schools to ensure they are safe from harm.”