Paul Rowen MP is one of a growing number of people adding their voices to the call to address the huge potential problem of asbestos in schools. 

He has cited Government figures showing that 178 teachers have died of mesothelioma or other asbestos related diseases since 1980.

The concern is that asbestos in many schools in the UK has not been fully surveyed and the level of dangerous asbestos containing materials still present is unknown.  It is also feared by many that the current policy, of identifying asbestos wherever it is and leaving it there if undisturbed or undamaged, is unsafe. 

Informed opinion suggests that even asbestos containing materials behind walls and in ceiling voids and ducting may release small amounts of asbestos dust and fibres into the atmosphere within schools, and that these levels may well be harmful. 

This is an opinion seemingly borne out by the unexpectedly high number of teacher deaths identified in government figures.  This growing appreciation of the risks involved has prompted a call for the gradual planned removal of asbestos from all schools. 

The government currently resists such a call, saying removal is unnecessary and the cost unwarranted, but it is noteworthy that it does not apply the same argument to the removal of asbestos from its own environment. 

There are plans in place for the imminent removal of asbestos from the House of Commons - plans which will require the temporary re-location of parliament.  It is high time the government also recognised the importance of protecting the safety of teachers, and indeed children, who risk exposure to asbestos in schools.