The analysis of the Education Department found the presence of asbestos in 2,185 state schools in Australia, with almost half containing ‘damaged asbestos’ and a hundred having the worst of its kind. 

Over 100 Schools Have the ‘Most Deadly’ Form of Asbestos

Asbestos continues to spread fear among Australians as an alarming number of schools – 109 institutions – are at risk of getting exposed to the worst category known as the ‘friable asbestos’. 

In 2018, mesothelioma took the lives of almost 700 Australians, as recorded by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. 

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell stated during the estimates hearing last September 4 that risk management is part of her department’s plan, placing “paramount” importance on ensuring the safety of the students against asbestos exposure. 

“I’m aware we have thousands of students attending school each day for me as Minister, of course, their safety is paramount,” Mitchell told the hearing. 

However, Labor’s Courtney Houssos, who grilled the Education Department about the issue, find the Minister’s response insufficient and not good enough.

Read the full report on this link.

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