Asbestos is Properly Managed, Controlled & Regulated in Kent Schools, say Kent County Council Chiefs

> Beginning the late 1800s, asbestos was mined and used in many different industries all over North America, especially before the World War II. Examples of industry use include:

- Automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads.
- Building & construction industry uses asbestos for strengthening cement as well as sound absorption, roofing, insulation and fireproofing.
- Shipbuilding industry uses asbestos to insulate hot water pipes, boilers and steampipes... (Read More)

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(June 2nd, 2010)

This image is of Asbestos inspectors investigating the building structures and premises of Chaucer Technology School during the filming of BBC South East's Inside Out program. Kent, United Kingdom - According to a building inspection report by an official from the Kent County Council Property Group (KCCPG), schools in Kent, UK are more safer from Asbestos than other schools in the United Kingdom and worldwide. This came after an investigation conducted by BBC found that 92% of all schools in Kent contained Asbestos. Peter Binnie, Operations Head for the KCCPG quotes, "Schools in Kent have asbestos in them but it is managed, controlled and identified in a very stringent way so there is minimal risk to pupils and teachers. Children are better protected there than they are out in their own homes." Inspections across the Kent county revealed that over 554 out of 559 schools in Kent have some form of asbestos-containing materials present in their buildings/structures. Environmental & Occupational exposure to Asbestos is known to cause diseases such as mesothelioma lung cancer, Asbestosis and other types of Cancer. The time it takes to develop asbestos related diseases after initial exposure can be between 20 - 40 years. The image on the left is of Asbestos inspectors investigating the building structures and premises of Chaucer Technology School during the filming of BBC South East's Inside Out program.

Dr Alaistair Stewart, Chest Physician Consultant is concerned about the amount of asbestos out there in public schools and believes actions need to be taken to identify, manage and regulate asbestos. He quotes, "If the asbestos is truly well managed then this is a storm in a tea cup. But the problem is that we don’t really know if it is. Where the concern really arises is around the fact that the Government has passed responsibility to the schools to assess whether it poses a risk.” Here's the problem, he quotes, "Schools say no we have not got a problem but there is not actually anyone checking whether it is solid enough and cannot be disturbed."

Mr. Binnie from KCCPG thinks that the schools' rebuilding & refurbishment program will not completely eliminate Asbestos from schools and there is a high chance asbestos enclosed in walls or ceilings would be left intact, making it hazardous for the public from environmental exposure. He quotes, "A close friend of mine has asbestosis. I have worked with asbestos for more than 30 years so I’m a potential victim of mesothelioma in the years to come. But you do not know where you have contracted it, it could be schools or it could be somewhere else." He adds, "We manage it and look after it now so I would be angry if I was exposed now. But I have no issue going into any of our schools and I do not think our children or teachers are at risk."