Local councils in England have paid out over £10 million in compensation payments to people who have become ill as a result of being exposed to asbestos in schools. According to the National Union of Teachers, up to 300 adults die each year due to exposure to asbestos while at school. The government claims that it is spending £23 billion to improve school buildings but campaigners say that the presence of any asbestos in school buildings is dangerous both to the pupils and staff in those buildings.
The use of asbestos in buildings was completely banned in 1999 but any building that was built or refurbished before that time could well contain asbestos. As a building material it was widely used for insulation because of its incredible heat resistant properties. Left in isolation it is unlikely to cause any harm, but if it is broken up, burned or disturbed, the fibres that make it good at insulating can become airborne and lodge in people’s lungs. Once they enter the lung they are small enough to become lodged in the linings and there they can stay, for many years, before any damage is noticed. Asbestos fibres within the lungs are responsible for diseases such as Asbestosis, Asbestos-related Lung Cancer, Pleural Thickening and Mesothelioma; all of which can be debilitating and fatal.
Figures obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that there are at least 12,600 council-run schools in England where asbestos is present, although this figure could be a lot higher as it does not include Academies. In addition, within the past five years local authorities have recorded 99 incidents where asbestos has been disturbed and people have been put in danger because of the potential exposure.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “The health and safety of children and staff in our schools is vital – that’s why we are investing £23 billion in school buildings by 2021.”
If you or someone you care for has been affected by exposure to asbestos through their employment, or through their school, it is quite likely that you will be able to make a claim for compensation. Our solicitors have many years of experience in handling cases to do with asbestos and so will swiftly be able to discuss your circumstances and decide if you have a case to pursue. Contacting us is free of charge, and you are under no obligation to continue with a claim if you chose not to do so. Contact us today and let us see how we can help you get the compensation that you deserve.
If you or a member of your family feel that you have developed Asbestosis as a result of your work environment and would like to speak to us about your options, please call us on 0800 028 2060 free of charge, request a free no-obligation call back, or start your claim now by filling in the claim form.