Schools ban toilet roll tubes over fears they could spread disease in classrooms
Teachers have written to parents advising them not to bring in the cardboard tubes or egg boxes due to bizarre health and safety guidelines
SCHOOLS have banned empty toilet rolls in classrooms over fears they could spread disease.
Teachers have written to parents advising them not to bring in the cardboard tubes or egg boxes due to bizarre health and safety guidelines.
But experts say schools are wrongly quoting health and safety guidelines after government officials labelled bans an "urban myths" nearly a decade ago.
Nurseries, primary schools and churches across the UK have reportedly told parents they "are unable to use" the empties for arts and craft classes.
A nursery in County Durham said it "doesn't use egg cartons, toilet roll holders or medicine containers".
While parents at a school in Ilminster, Somerset, were asked: "Please do not send in any toilet rolls, or old meat packaging trays as we are not able to use these."
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A primary school in Chorley, Lancashire, appealed for "junk materials" but reminded people they "cannot use" toilet rolls but "love" kitchen rolls.
Concerns surrounding handling egg boxes are thought to be linked to a salmonella crisis almost 30 years ago.
Scientists say there is a low chance that cardboard toilet roll tubes were contaminated but those concerned could briefly microwave them or spray them with surface cleaner.
Matt Endean, of the Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services, told the Daily Mail that stopping children from handling toilet rolls was an "unrealistic response to a minimal risk".
The Health and Safety Executive also said that enforcing bans is "absolute nonsense".
A spokesman told the newspaper: "Everyday living presents a similar microbiological risk. Perhaps more energy should be put into making sure children and adults wash their hands properly after using the toilet."
Classrooms are advancing in their methods for getting children creative as they steer away from traditional methods of using old scraps of cardboard to technology.
Earlier this year parents were asked to fork out up to £990 for iPads because of a lack of proper government funding, headteachers warned.
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