Vast Majority’ Of British Universities Still Have Buildings Containing Asbestos

by Liz Seyi Digital marketing manager

The Asbestos Removal Contractors that we work with here at Trident Asbestos Solutions are continually reminded of what a persistent danger asbestos can pose to health – even many years after it was banned in the UK in 1999 – due to its lingering presence in buildings across the country.

Sure enough, a freedom of information (FOI) request sent to 106 universities around the UK has received 91 replies, with the vast majority (86%) of institutions that did respond confirming the potentially lethal fibres were still present in the fabric of their buildings.

Some of the country’s most prestigious establishments affected

Institutions in such parts of England as Oxford, Nottingham and Coventry were among those to reveal that asbestos remained in parts of their premises.

However, they also urged students, staff and the public not to be concerned, with the University of Warwick saying that the once widely-used construction material was “sealed and safe” where it existed across its estate.

Meanwhile, a University of Oxford spokesperson said that the institution complied with “national best practices and the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to manage asbestos materials.”

They added: “We regularly monitor and survey for asbestos in buildings and, if any risk is detected, we take immediate action to ensure users are safe.”

Mesothelioma charity boss expresses concern

The results of the FOI request are perhaps unsurprising, given the large proportion of university buildings in the UK that date from between the 1940s and 1970s, when the use of asbestos across the country was at its height.

While the material is generally considered safe unless it is disturbed, any release of such fibres – as could occur if, for example, a roof sustains damage or ceiling tiles are broken – could pose a grievous risk to health.

The boss of a mesothelioma charity – this being the cancer of the lung lining that is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos – therefore called for the lingering presence of the substance on university premises to be treated as a nationally important issue that needed to be addressed.

Liz Darlison, head of services at Mesothelioma UK, commented: “Asbestos is still very much a problem in the education sector from primary schools through to universities, and unfortunately the number of cases of asbestos-related diseases in people who have worked in the sector is increasing.

“Parents, students, academics, teachers and support staff have a right to know if asbestos is present and what measures are being taken to manage exposure.”

Place your trust in our professional and experienced asbestos removal contractors

Are you concerned about any asbestos that may be present in buildings for which you are responsible, and would you like to know which courses of action may be best for ensuring this material is successfully identified, managed and, if necessary, removed?

If so, you can have faith that Trident Asbestos Solutions will give you the impartial and informed advice and guidance needed. Call 03333 441555 today to learn more about our expertise and the various specialised services that we can provide to put your mind at rest.