Bristol University confirms that ten halls of residence contain asbestos

Following a Freedom of Information request, The Tab can exclusively reveal that ten halls of residence at the University of Bristol contain asbestos.

Asbestos is a material used for electrical insulation for hotplate wiring and in building insulation. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious and fatal illnesses such as lung cancer. The material is usually found in older buildings as the substance began to be phased out towards the end of the twentieth century.

The following halls have all been revealed to contain asbestos: Badock Hall, Churchill Hall, Clifton Hill House, The Hawthorns, Hiatt Baker Hall (Blocks A- H only), Manor Hall, Old & New Hostel’s Langford, Sinclair House, University Hall and Wills Hall (Old Quad only).

UH is one of ten halls confirmed as containing asbestos

The email sent by the Freedom of Information team explained that "The safety and health of our students and staff is of paramount importance to us. Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed, and if safely managed and contained, it does not present a health hazard."

"The asbestos is managed in accordance with the University’s Asbestos Management Plan and Asbestos Policy, and in compliance with the legal requirements to ensure the risk is minimal." The email did not include any information on how the asbestos in the halls of residences is being controlled.