The University of York has spent over £2.5 million removing asbestos from University buildings over the last three academic years.
Through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, York Vision found that five colleges are known or presumed to contain asbestos including: Alcuin, James, Vanbrugh, Wentworth and Halifax colleges.
Academic departments and other notable buildings known or presumed to be infected with asbestos including: Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Careers and Counselling, Music practice rooms, the J.B. Morrell library, the Harry Fairhurst building, Sally Baldwin, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Church Lane, the University Boat House and Heslington Hall.
In 2021-22, £570,000 was spent on asbestos removal; in 2022-23, £1.2 million was spent on asbestos removal, including the demolition of the IT Services building; and in 2023-24, £800,000 was spent on asbestos removal, including the refurbishment of Derwent P Block.
The University of York said: “None of the buildings listed have been closed or taken out of use due to the presence of asbestos containing materials.”
The substance is harmless if left alone, but can be deadly if damaged and is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) asbestos kills more than 5000 workers a year.
The use of asbestos as a building material was outlawed in 1999.
A University spokesperson said: “We know some of our buildings – especially those from the 1960s – contain asbestos.
“Staff and students should not be concerned, it is a common material in many older buildings and we have made sure it is properly managed and monitored so it doesn’t pose a risk to our community.”