April 5th, 2007

The cancer causing substance asbestos has been found at a school in Huddersfield in the UK, and specialists have had to be called in to evaluate and deal with the situation. Asbestos is a substance that was once widely used in various products and building materials, and was later found to cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory disorders, scarring of the lungs, and even cancer.

Contractors discovered the asbestos at Moorlands Primary School in Huddersfield, which is due to be demolished. Specialist contractors have now been called in to get the deadly material removed, and parents of children from the school have been informed of the situation in writing.

According to a notice put up outside the school small quantities of asbestos were found in the grounds of the school during investigations. The notice read: "The asbestos will be removed in a controlled manner by a specialist asbestos contractor using a method vetted and approved by the Health and Safety Executive and the council's environmental unit. The area will be carefully excavated and all asbestos which is visible will be removed by licensed contractors to a licensed tip, in compliance with relevant legislation."

One parent expressed concern over the matter, stating: "We have been informed that there is no danger to the children. But the majority of parents I've spoken to still feel unsure whether any level of asbestos is safe."