A Sheffield based research centre has started a project that looks into asbestos in schools and how that affects school-based education workers.
Mesothelioma is a rare and often incurable cancer that develops on the lungs or other internal organs usually due to asbestos exposure. Around 60% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma die within the first year and the cancer affects 2,600 people yearly and causes 2,268 deaths a year.
Over 80% of state school buildings have asbestos and roughly 75% of schools in the UK still contain asbestos. Experts have warned in some areas that the percentage is up to 90% which is a huge health concern.
Peggy Walker who is a member of the panel for Mesothelioma UK Research Centre and joined after losing her mum from mesothelioma.