April 30th, 2007

An urgent review of asbestos levels in schools is being called for by teachers in Scotland. Authorities agree that many of the schools built in or before the 1970s could contain asbestos, and teachers want checks to be carried out to ensure that the walls and ceilings of schools do not contain this known carcinogenic.

Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of buildings up until the mid-seventies, as the dangers of the substance were not then fully known. However, it is now known that exposure to airborne asbestos dust and fibers can lead to a range of health problems, including a form of cancer known as mesothelioma, and problems such as lung scarring and respiratory disorders.

One teacher who contracted asbestos related cancer stated that she intends to file a lawsuit against education authorities. Sixty-nine year-old Margaret Worthington stated: "Teaching is not a profession you associate with asbestos, but experts believe I must have contracted the disease from fibres in the pinboards."

An education spokesman said: "All of the local authorities across Scotland will be looking at the school estate with regard to asbestos or will have already done so. The guidance is that most asbestos is perfectly safe as long as it is not disturbed, but is dangerous when disturbed which is why we are looking at these audits."