An all-party group is calling for a scheme to remove asbestos after studying estimates which suggest it was present in more than 75% of UK state schools.

Last year, the Department for Education (DfE) revealed that its "best estimate" was that more than three-quarters of schools contain asbestos. More than 140 teachers have died from the rare asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in the past 10 years.

The Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health's chairman, Jim Sheridan, said: "This is a national scandal.

"Urgent action is needed to prevent more pupils, teachers and other staff being exposed to this deadly killer dust. We need both far greater awareness of the risks that this material poses and a programme for its phased removal."

A DfE spokesman said the welfare of pupils and staff was paramount.

"It is unacceptable for any school not to comply with the strict statutory asbestos guidance - no ifs or buts," he said.

Education chiefs say it is unacceptable for schools to ignore guidance but that undamaged asbestos should be left.

Further information
www.asbestosexposureschools.co.uk