Earlier this year, Jinja City Education Officer Mr. Haruna Mulopa shed light on the critical issue of asbestos roofing in four primary schools within Jinja City. Despite the well-documented health risks, the presence of these hazardous materials has persisted, primarily due to financial constraints. Mr. Mulopa has urged organizations to help replace these roofs with safer iron sheets.
Now, at least 18 schools across the Busoga Sub-region are set to receive iron sheets from Jinja City-based MM Integrated Steel Mills Uganda Ltd. This initiative aims to tackle the significant health threat posed by asbestos, especially its carcinogenic properties, with some of these roofs dating back to the 1950s.
Among the beneficiary schools are Main Street Primary School, Walukuba West Primary School, and Zibondo Primary School in Jinja City, as well as MM College Wairaka in Jinja District.
Mr. Alfred Mugomba, head teacher of Zibondo Primary School in Kaliro District, reported that asbestos roofs have caused frequent illnesses among students due to water contamination. “Asbestos is now recognized as a serious health threat, increasing cancer risks,” Mr. Mugomba stated on July 29. “Unfortunately, replacing these buildings is challenging as they house two classrooms and all administrative offices.”
Ms. Florence Wepukhulu, Director of St. Florence Nursery and Primary School in Jinja City, has already received 21 iron sheets from MM Integrated Steel Uganda Ltd. She encouraged other organizations to follow suit and support the cause.
Mr. Hassan Latifu, Public Relations Officer of MM Integrated Steel Uganda Ltd., confirmed that 18 schools had requested iron sheets through district and education offices. “We have observed inadequate roofing conditions in some classrooms. Our priority is to ensure children are in safe learning environments,” Mr. Latifu explained. He also announced the launch of a “No Asbestos” program as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals, consists of soft, flexible fibers that take on a fluffy consistency when pulled. Resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion, asbestos was traditionally used to reinforce and add strength to cement, plastic, and roofing materials.
Corrugated asbestos roofs were a common sight in southeast Queensland due to their superior strength, thermal qualities, and fire retardancy. Asbestos was widely used in roofing and insulation for Australian homes until the 1980s.
Research indicates that undisturbed asbestos roofs in good condition typically do not pose a health risk if the asbestos fibers remain bound in solid cement. However, over time, asbestos roof sheets can become brittle and deteriorate with exposure to sun, rain, and hailstorms. If an asbestos roof is damaged, crumbling, or disturbed by fire, breaking, cutting, drilling, or sanding, the asbestos fibers may become airborne and dangerous. The more weathered the roof becomes, the greater the health risk.
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. If ingested, the fibers become permanently trapped in the body, triggering inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage to the body’s cells. Asbestos is known to cause fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, with symptoms usually appearing 20 to 30 years after the first exposure. Currently, there is no way to reverse the cellular damage caused by asbestos.
No amount of asbestos exposure can be considered safe. However, asbestos is most dangerous when a person is exposed to high concentrations or moderate amounts regularly over a long period.
For most people with asbestos roofs, the immediate health risk is low. Nonetheless, proactively replacing old asbestos roofs can prevent future exposure to airborne fibers. Aside from health risks, asbestos roofing can also affect property resale value and insurance costs, making home insurance more expensive. Replacing an asbestos roof sooner rather than later provides peace of mind and minimizes health risks, avoiding potential hassles if removal becomes compulsory.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asbestos exposure can lead to various cancers, including lung, larynx, ovarian, and mesothelioma. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that approximately 100,000 workers die annually from asbestos-related diseases.
The delay in replacing asbestos roofs in schools can be attributed to financial limitations and a lack of immediate resources. However, the growing recognition of asbestos as a serious health threat has prompted organizations like MM Integrated Steel Mills Uganda Ltd. to step in and address the issue. This initiative not only aims to provide safer environments for students but also sets a precedent for proactive health and safety measures in educational institutions.
