Asbestos in schools 'a national scandal' - MPs
The presence of asbestos in most UK state schools constitutes a "national scandal", MPs and peers have said.
An all-party group is calling for a scheme to remove the material after studying estimates which suggest it was present in more than 75% of schools.
More than 140 teachers have died from the rare asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in the past 10 years.
Education chiefs say it is unacceptable for schools to ignore guidance but that undamaged asbestos should be left.
Last year, the Department for Education (DfE) revealed that its "best estimate" was that more than three-quarters of schools contain asbestos.
The Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health's chairman, Jim Sheridan, said: "This is a national scandal.
"Urgent action is needed to prevent more pupils, teachers and other staff being exposed to this deadly killer dust.
"We need both far greater awareness of the risks that this material poses and a programme for its phased removal."
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... (BBC News - 2 February)