UNIVERSITY staff and students have been warned they could have been exposed to asbestos.

The insulation material, which when disturbed can release potentially cancer-causing dust, was used extensively in construction prior to 2000.

But, after reviewing the asbestos found in its older buildings, the University Of Lincoln is working to remove it from five sites across its campuses.

University spokesman Joni Appleton said letters had been sent out to all employees and managers of those who work in the affected areas had been briefed so that they could help staff get any appropriate advice.

She said: "Following a review of the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials, the University has identified asbestos, which should be removed from the basements and boiler rooms in four of its older buildings and from the ceiling void of a fifth.

"We are contacting everyone who may have been in these areas recently and the University has appointed a specialist occupational health physician to provide support to those who have concerns.

"The Health And Safety Executive has been notified and a specialist contractor is to remove the asbestos.

"We are aiming to complete all of the removal work before the start of term, but access to the areas will be restricted while the work is carried out.

"As an additional precaution, specialist consultants have been commissioned to re-survey all premises built before 2000."

The four buildings with asbestos in their basements or boiler rooms are Chad Varah House in Wordsworth Street, Lincoln, Greestone Court, near the Usher Gallery, and the Old Hall and Wordsworth Hall at the University's Riseholme campus.

Asbestos is also to be removed from a ceiling void at Riseholme campus's Tennyson Hall.

Michael Woods, asbestos director at Lincoln-based asbestos removal firm Rilmac, said that just because the University were having the material removed, it did not mean there had a problem and people shouldn't necessarily worry.

He said: "Just because you have asbestos doesn't mean you have to get rid of it. If it remains undisturbed, in good condition, undrilled and unsawn, then it's perfectly safe and there's no reason it can't remain."

For more information about asbestos and related illnesses, visit www.aic.org.uk.