Buildings at 28 schools in Barnet still contain asbestos, new data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows.

The potentially deadly material, which was banned completely in 1999, is not considered harmful when undamaged, but can lead to an incurable type of cancer if it is disturbed and the fibres inhaled.

The council says it has a management plan and safety measures in place at all schools affected by asbestos.

According to government figures published in 2019, the substance is still present in four out of five schools in England.

All three types of asbestos are class one carcinogens, although blue and brown asbestos – which have been banned since 1985 – are the most dangerous. White asbestos was banned in 1999.

Before it was banned the substance was used in construction materials including insulation, boilers and pipes.

If asbestos is damaged, fibres may be released and inhaled or swallowed.

Breathing in high concentrations for long periods can lead to a condition called asbestosis – which can take decades to develop – and this in turn leads to an increased risk of cancer.

Asbestos causes mesothelioma – a cancer of the protective tissue covering the lungs or the abdomen – as well as cancer of the lung, larynx and ovary.

Breathing in lower concentrations can cause other lung problems.

A report produced by the Joint Union Asbestos Committee estimates that between 5,000 and 10,000 former staff and pupils died from mesothelioma between 1980 and 2017 because they were exposed to amosite (brown) asbestos in their schools between the 1960s and 1980s.

The committee has called on the government to fund the phased removal of all asbestos in educational establishments by 2028.

On Monday (9th), a coalition of trade unions called for the removal of asbestos from all public buildings within the next 40 years.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the presence of asbestos in some Barnet schools and have a management plan and safety measures in place.

“Whenever asbestos is found, disturbed or damaged on Barnet Council school premises, a council asbestos co-ordinator supports and advises on risk mitigation steps to ensure the safety of staff and pupils.”

The full list of school sites containing asbestos provided by the council is as follows:

  • Beis Yaakov Primary School
  • Brookhill Nursery School
  • Brunswick Park Primary & Nursery School
  • Chalgrove Primary School
  • Christchurch CE Primary School
  • Danegrove Primary School
  • Dollis Primary School
  • Foulds Primary School
  • Friern Barnet School
  • Hampden Way Nursery School
  • Hasmonean High School for Girls
  • Henrietta Barnett School
  • Holly Park Primary School
  • Hasmonean High School for Boys
  • Independent Jewish Day School
  • Livingstone Primary School
  • Mapledown School
  • Martin Primary School
  • Meadway Pupil Referral Unit
  • Monkfrith Primary School
  • Moss Hall Junior School
  • Moss Hall Nursery School
  • St Andrew’s CE Primary School
  • St James’ Catholic High School
  • St Margaret’s Nursery School
  • St Paul’s CE Primary School
  • Sunnyfields Primary School
  • Wessex Gardens Primary School