ALMOST 160 schools across Glasgow contain asbestos, a shock new report has revealed.

A probe carried out using Freedom of Information laws has found that 159 primaries, secondaries and nurseries are known to still contain the substance.

Council bosses have quickly moved today to reassure parents that the material remains undisturbed and the buildings remain safe.

The data relates to 96 primaries,18 secondary schools and 45 nurseries spread across the city.

Specialist officers are employed by council bosses to monitor the buildings, with over 261 asbestos surveys carried out over the last five years.

Glasgow Times:

The figures have been uncovered as a result of new research by law firm, Irvin Mitchell, after the UK Government rejected a 40-year timeframe to tackle the issue.

READ MORE: Road linking Glasgow's Silverburn with Paisley to be shut to drivers

Their investigation found over 4,500 public buildings across 20 local authority areas – ranging from the north of Glasgow to Cornwall – still contain asbestos, averaging out at around 225 buildings each.

Adrian Budgen, a leading specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at the firm, said: “Most people associate asbestos with historical exposure in factories or construction work, but these latest figures highlight the extensive risk still posed by the deadly substance across the UK in buildings being used every day by the general public.

 “At Irwin Mitchell sadly we come across families and individuals affected by asbestos, most often after coming into contact with it in their workplace. To have it confirmed that it’s not yet been eradicated from a large number of public places is incredibly concerning.

"One of the main problem areas has been revealed as schools, which are obviously densely populated with pupils, teachers and other school staff, all there for long hours at a time. It’s extremely worrying that so many still contain asbestos, essentially putting children at risk every day.

 “Whilst some of the asbestos may not yet be deemed harmful, once it’s disturbed or in a state of disrepair, it can quickly become very dangerous. With many of our public buildings being old and maintenance budgets being stretched, it’s a huge concern.”

READ MORE: Council's fly-tipping teams in Glasgow called out 19,300 times

However, a spokesperson for Glasgow City Council insists there is no cause for concern.

They added: “Asbestos that remains undisturbed presents a very low risk.

“It is very unhelpful to worry parents unnecessarily with these types of headlines as we do not take any health and safety risks when it comes to our children, young people and staff in our schools.

“All buildings within the council estate known to contain asbestos are subject to a robust asbestos management and inspection regime.”