Uni is one of many that has buildings containing asbestos
THE University of Warwick has confirmed it has buildings that contain asbestos but says the potentially hazardous construction material is “sealed and safe”.
Warwick is just one of many universities across the country that still contains asbestos, which was commonly used in construction in the past.
Many of its buildings date from the 1970s when asbestos was widely used in the UK.
The extent of asbestos in UK universities was revealed following a Freedom of Information request to all universities by the law firm Stephensons Solicitors.
The FOI request was sent to 106 universities across the country.
The vast majority (86 per cent) of those that responded said asbestos was present in the fabric of their buildings.
Asbestos was commonly used between the 40s and 70s, but was banned in 1999 after it was confirmed inhaling the fibres could cause life-threatening illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The material is generally considered safe unless it is disturbed, which is when the fibres are released.
That can happen when, for example, a roof is damaged or ceiling tiles are broken. A spokesman for the University of Warwick said: “The university still operates some buildings erected in the 1970s which, as was very common at the time, used asbestos in their construction.
“Where present that asbestos is sealed and safe, and fully in line with all statutory requirements and good practice.
“We have a range of systems in place to ensure that any damage in such buildings is dealt with promptly, and if any of those buildings are decommissioned or extensively remodelled specialist asbestos removal firms are always engaged as part of that work.”
The boss of a mesothelioma charity said the presence of asbestos in schools and universities was an issue that needed to be addressed nationally.
Liz Darlison, head of services at Mesothelioma UK, said: “As new academic years start for all students the presence of asbestos in educational buildings - from schools, colleges to universities is an issue we need to address as a national priority.
“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.”
Ms Darlison added: “The potentially deadly material has been used in all types of buildings and is still present in many primary schools and universities due to aging educational buildings.
“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.”
Kate Sweeney, a partner in the personal injury team at Stephensons, said the extent to which asbestos remained in buildings should not come as a surprise.
“It’s not surprising due to the age of many of the country’s university buildings that an incredibly high number of universities have reported that they have asbestos present in the buildings on their estates,” Ms Sweeney said.
“As thousands of new students start uni and undergraduates return to their studies, we are calling on universities to better inform students and staff if there is asbestos present on campus and the measures being taken to manage it.
“A consistent and clear message needs to be added to websites, student newspapers and department notice boards.”