Asbestos is found in 99% of schools

Asbestos was found in about 99 percent of kindergartens, and elementary, middle and high schools inspected by the Education Ministry, according to data from the ministry.

As of February, the ministry finished its inspection of 3,158 schools out of a total of 19,581. In 3,128 schools, or 99.1 percent of the total inspected, the substance, known to cause lung cancer if inhaled with a latent period of about 30 years, was found.

In a previous inspection conducted in 2007 on 100 schools, asbestos was found in 88 percent of them.



The data was released yesterday by Rep. Kim Choon-jin of the Democratic Party, who belongs to the National Assembly`s Education, Science and Technology Committee.

Of the 3,128 schools, the number of the schools in "significant damaged condition" was 22. Eight elementary schools, seven middle schools, six high schools and one special education institution were rated as being in that category.

If damaged parts of a school building, which was constructed with materials containing asbestos, account for 10 percent or more of the total size of the building, it is to be listed as being in "significant damaged condition." If damaged parts account for less than 10 percent, the building is to be rated as being in "damaged condition."

The number of schools in "damaged condition" was 420. Fifteen kindergartens, 197 elementary schools, 108 middle schools, 97 high schools and three special education institutions made the list.

An aide to Rep. Kim said the lawmaker will continue to work to rid schools across the nation of such health hazards.

"We are exploring various ways, including seeking legislative action, to remove and better manage asbestos remaining in school buildings. We will consult cases abroad," the aide said.

To ease public concerns over asbestos, the government has conducted a full-scale inspection into all schools across the nation since September last year. It plans to establish a database with the inspection results by the end of this year to effectively rid schools of the hazardous substance, officials said.

(sshluck@heraldm.com)



By Song Sang-ho