Pupils and parents involved with a school in London have been assured that the site is safe, despite concerns that it may be exposing youngsters to asbestos.
Harrow Borough Council has moved to allay fears that the deadly material is a threat to children attending Vaughan Primary School, reports the Harrow Times. Mitzi Green, portfolio holder for children, schools and families, suggested that a plan to renovate the school would help to rid it of asbestos, as buildings would be demolished and replaced as part of the process.
She noted that the wellbeing of all the children at the school is of "paramount importance" to the council and it will refuse to take any course of action that puts them at even a slight risk.
"If the current planning application is approved and the school is rebuilt, all asbestos will be removed and this potential risk to health will be completely eliminated. This is in the best interest of all parties and is proactive and forward thinking by the council," Councillor Green explained.
Asbestos was widely used in building projects until the mid-1980s, so is contained within many of the structures that still stand today. It can prove to be fatal if inhaled, but is only dangerous when disturbed.
Should the revamp of the school go ahead, bosses must be careful to adequately kit out demolition and construction employees when it comes to dealing with the material. Respirators are perhaps the most valuable instrument in such scenarios.
Councillor Green added that she and her colleagues are worried about the asbestos at the school and this is one of their reasons for supporting a redevelopment scheme. Vaughan Primary School's junior department was constructed more than 40 years ago and the original intention was for it to last no more than 20 years.
As time goes by, asbestos can become an even greater threat, so eliminating it at a relatively early stage can be the wisest move, she noted.
