May 17th, 2007

According to recent reports asbestos has been found in many of the schools across West Surrey in England, with over fifty schools in areas including Waverley, Guildford, and Mole Valley thought to contain the deadly material. Asbestos can lead to many health problems through exposure to its airborne dust and fibers, including a form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

There are also a number of schools that were not included on the list, as these schools – voluntary aided and foundation schools – are responsible for the removal of the asbestos. Surveys have been carried out in the area over the past two years in order to identify the schools that contain asbestos.

One County Hall official commented on the situation: “Arrangements are in place with our asbestos consultant to carry out this work.

The council manages the presence of asbestos very closely and effectively. In any areas where asbestos may pose a risk it is immediately removed. Schools should be aware of asbestos or suspected asbestos containing materials from information contained within the asbestos register. We do not know if individual schools make this information available to parents. As there is no risk from asbestos containing materials as long as it is managed properly, then making this information available to parents would serve little purpose. However, this is the school’s decision.”