More than 150 Glasgow primary and secondary school buildings contain asbestos.
The local authority has revealed that 96 primaries, 18 secondaries, and 45 nursery schools in the city contain the potentially deadly material.
Glasgow City Council has said the material poses no risk as long as it remains intact, however, a lawyer specialising in asbestos-related diseases, has described the findings as 'incredibly concerning'.
READ MORE: Glasgow letting agency 'will carry out repairs in a week' for mouldy family home after protest
Adrian Budgen, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: “Most people associate asbestos with historical exposure in factories or construction work, but these latest figures highlight the extensive risk still posed by the deadly substance across the UK in everyday buildings used by the public.
“At Irwin Mitchell, sadly, we come across families and individuals affected by asbestos most often after coming into contact with it in their workplace, and to have it confirmed that it’s not yet been eradicated from a large number of public buildings is incredibly concerning.
“One of the main problem areas is revealed to be schools, which are obviously densely populated with pupils, teachers and other school workers for long hours at a time. It’s extremely worrying that so many still contain asbestos, essentially putting children at risk every day.
“Whilst some of the asbestos may not yet be deemed harmful, once it’s disturbed or in a state of disrepair it can quickly become very dangerous, and with many of our public buildings being old and maintenance budgets being stretched, it’s a huge concern."
A Freedom of Information request by Irwin Mitchell also revealed that an average of 261 asbestos surveys have been carried out over the last five years.
In 2021/2022 the local authority carried out 200 surveys on the deadly material alone.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: "Asbestos that remains undisturbed presents a very low risk.
"It is very unhelpful to worry parents unnecessarily with these types of headlines as we do not take any health and safety risks when it comes to our children, young people, and staff in our schools.
“All buildings within the GCC estate known to contain asbestos are subject to a robust asbestos management and inspection regime.”
READ NEXT:
Tributes paid to beloved Glasgow Santa who lost battle with pancreatic cancer
Lanarkshire teacher who died from brain cancer claimed it was caused by 'toxic' school water
'Missing' Glasgow love rat conman seen returning to city on London flight
Racist thug spat on Glasgow police officer and hurled abuse during arrest
Dunbartonshire play park forced to close after vandals cause 'danger to children'
