Scottish Government officials visited two Coatbridge schools at the centre of water supply contamination fears yesterday.
It was announced last week that a probe is being launched into possible health risks at Buchanan and St Ambrose High Schools, both built on a former landfill site.
The schools have faced calls to close early for summer as concerns mount over blue water coming from pipes.
It comes after four teachers at Buchanan High were diagnosed with the same rare bladder cancer and a pupil was pulled out of a school due to long-term sickness.
Paul Cackette and Dr Margaret Hannah, who are leading the investigation, met with the headteachers of Buchanan High and St Ambrose High schools, public health experts from NHS Lanarkshire and representatives of North Lanarkshire Council.
The review, jointly agreed between the Scottish Government, North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire, is looking at specific health and safety concerns raised as well as the history, construction and maintenance of the site.
Depute First Minister John Swinney said: "There have been a number of significant concerns raised by families, teachers and elected representatives about the safety of the Buchanan and St Ambrose High School.
“I recognise that North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire have undertaken extensive work in an effort to address the concerns expressed by the local community.
“However in light of continuing concerns being raised, ministers have agreed with North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire to immediately commission an impartial, independent review.
"This will assess existing evidence and determine if more needs to be done to further mitigate any concerns of pupils, their parents and staff and provide further reassurance to the local community."
The review is expected to be completed before the start of the next academic term in August.
More than 16,000 people have signed an online petition calling on North Lanarkshire Council to test every pupil and member of staff, past and present, for toxins or contamination.
North Lanarkshire Council has created a leaflet to provide further information and reassurance, which is available to download from the council website, and which will be delivered to all parents and carers this week.
Commenting on the review, North Lanarkshire Council Chief Executive Des Murray added: “We welcome this review and the support of the Scottish Government in addressing the concerns of families, staff and the local community.”
The review team say they will arrange to meet with pupils' parents next week. Anyone with information or comments to share in relation to the review can email BuchananandStAmbroseIndependentReview@gov.scot
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