A report by the Asbestos Training and Consultancy Association (ATAC) in the United Kingdom claims that the state of Britain’s schools could leave millions of students, teachers and staff at risk of asbestos exposure.

Citing a lack of standards or plans for asbestos management in schools (and other public buildings), the report backs the The Mirror’s “Asbestos Timebomb” campaign, which has called for a public register of asbestos surveys in all public buildings.

ATAC took a small sample of Britain’s 25,000 schools, and concluded that the problem of asbestos in public buildings is not being solved by current asbestos law that says it is safe if left undisturbed.

About 13,000 of the country’s schools were built between 1945 and 1974 when asbestos use was at its peak, according to The Mirror.

“The increasing number of mesothelioma deaths (an asbestos-related disease) amongst teachers and support staff is testament that the policy of management has failed,” the report says.

With the support of Members of Parliament, Teachers’ unions and asbestos advocates will take the report to the Minister of Schools and demand a change in the policy and asbestos law.  Supporters seek a public register of asbestos surveys in all public buildings, including schools.

Click here to read the article.

Click here to read the ATAC report.