Of particular concern are the eight schools around the Riverina that may enclose friable asbestos, which is known to break up and become powered quickly.

Leeton High School is among the schools that may have this type of asbestos on site.

Meanwhile 62 schools, including Leeton Public School, have been found to have damaged deposits of asbestos on their grounds.

However, the message from both Leeton High School's P&C and the shire's mayor Paul Maytom has been not to panic.

RELATED

"Given the age of some of the buildings at the school it is not unexpected asbestos exists as it was a common building material at the time," P&C president Maria Ryan said.

"The fact the material has been identified and is on the department's asbestos register is positive, because this means it is being assessed, monitored and managed appropriately.

"It's important we do not over-react.

"I have every confidence the department has and will continue to manage this and other WH&S issues according to regulations and with the students and staff's interests at the forefront."

Councillor Maytom agreed and was also confident the NSW Department of Education was handling the issue.

"Any issues related to asbestos are always taken seriously and I am sure that is what the department is doing ... the important thing is the awareness is there and there's no need to overreact," he said.

Secretary of the NSW Department of Education Mark Scott responded to concerns in a statement last week.

"Asbestos was commonly used in buildings between the 1940s and late 1980s, and is present today in materials such as cement sheeting, cement roofing, vinyl floor tiles and wall lining," Mr Scott said in the statement.

"The department takes immediate action where necessary. All asbestos removal is conducted outside of school hours."

****

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you're up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.