NEARLY 50 schools across Dorset house asbestos-containing materials, a freedom of information request (FOI) has revealed.
The FOI, sent by the Echo to the council, revealed that a total of 48 Education Authority Schools in the Dorset Council area hold asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). 
The council confirmed via the information request that the materials ‘have been identified and are being managed’.
A spokesman has since assured that there is ‘little to no risk’ to both students and staff at the schools which house asbestos-containing materials, with the buildings said the be regularly inspected by the local authority.
When requested for information about how many schools potentially have dangerous asbestos on site the council said they “do not hold data in the format of ‘potentially dangerous’ asbestos” and instead stated ‘we do have schools where asbestos containing materials have been identified and are being managed’.
The same response was given when requested for information about how many schools contain potentially hazardous materials used in the buildings because Dorset Council ‘does not hold data in that format’, alongside the total number of schools with AMCs.
Dorset Council was also asked if any schools contain crocidolite asbestos, commonly known as blue asbestos and considered one of the most hazardous types of asbestos’, but again the council said they do not hold data in that format.
In response to the FOI the council said the asbestos only poses a concern when it is disturbed or damaged and assures there is ‘little to no risk’ to schoolchildren and staff.
A spokesman for Dorset Council said: “Asbestos only poses a concern if it is disturbed or damaged.
“If asbestos containing materials are in good condition and are undisturbed, they are usually considered safe.
“There is little to no risk to schoolchildren and staff, and management systems are in place to ensure asbestos is not disturbed as part of building occupancy.”