Mesothelioma

According to the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, 128 school teachers in Britain died from mesothelioma in the nine-year period 2002 to 2010.

However, Michael Lees of the Asbestos in Schools campaign group believes this figure is an underestimate as it does not include mesothelioma deaths among former teachers over 75 years old, and it is possible that as many, or perhaps more, die over this age.

Other school staff are dying of mesothelioma, but here the statistics are less comprehensive.

Junior school minister Lord Nash, in a written parliamentary answer to Lord Wigley, said eight teaching assistants, nine nursery nurses and eight school secretaries had died in the 2002-10 period.