AN investigation has revealed that the University of Oxford has potentially deadly asbestos in its buildings.

As students began a new academic year, it emerged that the cancer-causing material – formerly used for insulation – is present on dozens of university sites across England.

The substance’s presence at Oxford came to light after a freedom of information request was sent to 106 universities across England, of which 91 replied.

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A University of Oxford spokesperson said: “Asbestos was commonly used in construction and refurbishment work for much of the 20th century and can be found in any building built before the year 2000.

“The University follows national best practices and the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to manage asbestos materials.”

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They added: “We regularly monitor and survey for asbestos in buildings and, if any risk is detected, we take immediate action to ensure users are safe.

“For example, in 2017 we moved staff out of the Tinbergen Building when asbestos was found in areas where it might be disturbed, and the building is now in the final stages of having all asbestos removed and will soon be demolished and replaced.”