A Freedom of Information request sent to 106 UK universities by the law firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP has revealed that some University of Birmingham buildings contain asbestos.

86 percent of universities that responded to the FOI request said that asbestos was present in their buildings, including Birmingham City University and Aston University as well as UoB. Asbestos was also found to be present at Oxford University.

Kate Sweeney of Stephensons Solicitors LLP told Birmingham Live: ‘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.

‘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.’

Although asbestos can be considered safe if undisturbed, roof and ceiling damage causes health risks as asbestos fibres can be released. Asbestos was banned in 1999 after studies found that inhaling the fibres could cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Head of services at Mesothelioma UK, Liz Darlison, told Birmingham Live: ‘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.

‘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.’

Information on asbestos on UoB’s Intranet website says: ‘Asbestos was used extensively in the UK in building construction before 2000. Its usage began to decline in the 1970s and its use in new construction was prohibited by 2000. Departmental equipment may also have materials that contain asbestos. Given the range of ages of its premises and activities, there are many locations at the University where there are asbestos containing materials. These locations must be managed to ensure they remain safe.’

You can find more information on UoB’s asbestos policy at https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/hr/wellbeing/worksafe/topics/asbestos.aspx