Hundreds of Norfolk schools contain asbestos say campaigners

The controversial substance, which was banned in 1999, is believed to still be present in around 300 schools across Norfolk, having been regularly used in construction projects.

More than 130 local authority-run schools were confirmed to contain the substance four years ago - but it is believed many more also have it.

While the consensus is that dormant asbestos is safe if undisturbed, campaigners say school environments make exposure more likely - so are calling for it to be removed.

Bob Groome, a district secretary for the National Education Union in Norfolk, has been highlighting the issue for almost a decade but says the issue is still not taken seriously enough.

But he hopes the ongoing RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) scandal might serve as a wake-up call on the asbestos matter as well.

More than 100 schools across the UK were forced to close or partially close at the start of this term, after the government updated its guidance on the concrete.

Raac, which was widely used as a cheaper alternative to normal concrete, has a shelf-life of only 30 years, after which buildings can start to crumble and collapse.

Mr Broome said the scandal should focus attention on tackling the asbestos issue.

"Disturbances can happen at any time in schools due to the boisterous nature of our young people," he said.

"Asbestos is a fibrous material which over time will break down."

Exposure to asbestos dust has been proven to have severe health implications and over time can develop into a form of cancer called mesothelioma which kills 5,000 people a year nationwide. 

And Mr Groome said a number of circumstances in schools could result in pupils and staff coming into contact with the dust.

Previous cases in the county have been caused by screws falling from skylights, contractors working unsafely and insulation boards being discovered.

He said: "It could be something as simple as a teacher not being aware where it is and going at a wall with a staple gun to put a display up.

"It wouldn't need to be an extreme situation like Little Johnny deciding to put Little Jimmy's head through a ceiling tile.

He added that the presence of asbestos makes it more costly and difficult to carry out improvements on schools, due to the need for work to avoid disturbing the material.

His calls have been backed by Mike Smith-Clare, Labour's spokesman for education in Norfolk who described it as a "dire situation".

Mike Smith-Clare, Labour's spokesman for education in Norfolk (Image: Norfolk Labour group)

He said: "Schools should be safe environments for learning and lifelong opportunities.

"To know that so many are not fit for purpose is an indication of just how far we are away from making that statement a reality.

"The very fabric of Norfolk's education is in jeopardy of crumbling into a pile of dangerous dust - and it appears nothing is being done to either accept this woeful situation or address it."

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: "We take the management of asbestos very seriously and it is important to remember that as long as it is left undisturbed and is in a safe condition, it shouldn't be a cause for concern.

"This approach reflects the government and Health and Safety Executive position on asbestos risk management.

"Many schools only have small amounts identified and often in locations children do not access.

"All our schools have access to professional advice and support regarding the management of asbestos, including guidance and training and health and safety visits.

"We also undertake specific inspections to evaluate the condition of materials containing asbestos on a risk basis, registering whatever is found, its location and its condition."

But Mr Groome has insisted the approach does not go far enough.

He said: "More people will continue dying from asbestos-related conditions every year if more is not done.

"This is not just a problem which relates to schools either - so many of people dismiss the dangers of it and are unaware of how to find out where it is within their workplace.

"We need to act now."