NEARLY two thirds of Flintshire’s schools contain asbestos, it has been revealed.
Of the county’s 86 schools, 58 contain the potentially-deadly substance which lies in floor tiles, ceiling tiles and dozens of other common materials.
According to figures released to the Leader by the county council, thousands of children who attend each of the 12 high schools in Flintshire have been exposed to asbestos, as well as hundreds of children who go to 46 of the county’s 74 primary schools.
Flintshire Council said it has an asbestos management health and safety policy implemented after the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 came into place.
Neal Cockerton, head of technical services for Flintshire, said: “Flintshire Council takes very seriously its obligations in relation to the control and management of asbestos.
“The council regularly monitors and surveys all its public buildings, including all of its schools.
"If any asbestos is found in a Flintshire Council-owned public building it is contained, monitored and managed effectively in accordance with stringent health and safety regulations.
“Asbestos surveys, undertaken by UKAS-accredited consultants, have been carried out in all schools. These surveys began in 2002 on a rolling programme and re-inspection surveys are carried out periodically.”
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers, which has members from across the county, is currently running a campaign to increase awareness of the danger of asbestos in education buildings.
Teachers are up to 10 times more likely to suffer from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses and their pupils are also at risk, although the disease may not manifest for decades.
Asbestos becomes dangerous when materials it is contained within become damaged and fibres are released.
If the fibres are breathed into the lungs, they can cause potentially fatal diseases.
The law requires all schools to keep a register of the asbestos in its buildings and a management plan to reduce risk.
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