Asbestos worry for schools

Children in Northern Ireland are attending schools containing asbestos, it has been claimed.

According a report by 4NI.co.uk there are 28 secondary schools and 65 primary schools, including nurseries, which have still to, or are in the process of eliminating the substance.

Northern Ireland education minister, Caitriona Ruane, said that the most urgent cases of asbestos removal have been completed and that those cases that were not considered a high priority should be the responsibility of school authorities.

"The Education and Library Boards (ELBs) have completed asbestos surveys of schools and other educational buildings. All top priority asbestos has now been removed from school property," she stated.

Regarding the problem, the Health and Safety Executive says that while exposure levels remain low, plans must be implemented to reduce any potential risk of harm.

Inhaling asbestos can lead to serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, which is a type of lung cancer.