May 1st, 2007

According to school officials in the Suffolk area of the UK, the schools in the area do not pose any asbestos risks, despite the fact that dozens of schools in the area have been found to contain asbestos. Authorities in the area state that students and teaching staff from the schools are not at risk of exposure or any of the asbestos related health problems.

According to education officials any of the schools in the area that were built in or before the 1970s could contain the deadly material, which is known to cause cancer as well as other health related problems through long term or high level exposure to airborne dust and fibers. However, officials state that strict regulations are in place that will ensure that students and staff are not in any danger.

According to figures around thirteen thousand state schools through the UK still contain asbestos. However, officials state that despite this there is no risk to staff and students because of the regulations that have been in place for the last couple of decades.

One official stated: “Any school building pre-1970 is likely to contain some asbestos, but pupils and teachers are not at any risk at all. There are regulations, which have been in place since 1983 that ensure any building work is carried out in a safe and satisfactory way. The regulations are in place and we adhere strictly to them.”