The Eastern Daily Press has reported on an asbestos scare at Attleborough High School.

The school has closed a room in its sixth-form after a fractured ceiling tile containing asbestos was found.

While experts have said the level of exposure would have been “exceedingly low”, a helpline has been set up for parents, staff and children.

The continuing presence of asbestos in so many schools, particularly those built in the 1960s and 70s, is highlighted by reports of incidents such as this in Norfolk.

Teachers, and indeed children taught in those schools, are at risk of exposure to asbestos over long periods. More and more teachers are being affected by asbestos-related disease and the NASUWT, like an increasing number of others, has called for the planned removal of asbestos from schools.

This is something which has already happened in the United States and other countries. Arguments against removal based on economic grounds find little favour with those already affected by asbestos exposure in schools and those with legitimate fears about on-going exposure whilst asbestos remains.