For Immediate Release

ADAO’s 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, March 30-April 1: Award-winning journalist, Matt Peacock, Keynote Speaker

Internationally Acclaimed Investigative Reporter Will Share his Stunning Documentary, India’s Toxic Trade.

Redondo Beach, CA, March 13, 2012 – Asbestos remains one of the most lethal and widespread toxins in the world. In an effort to shine a light on this man-made danger that kills tens of thousands of people every year and is still not banned in the United States, the non-profit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will hold its 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, “Asbestos: An International Public Health Crisis,” March 30-April 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA.

A highlight of the conference will be the highly provocative journalism presented by keynote speaker, Matt Peacock, award-winning journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Peacock has chronicled the harrowing story of asbestos for more than 30 years: from the factories where workers frequently had asbestos ‘snowball’ fights and the Australian mines where Aboriginal children played in the toxic tailings to the millions of homes worldwide where asbestos continues to threaten the lives of home renovators.

Peacock is an adjunct Professor of Journalism at the Sydney’s University of Technology and is the author of the book Killer Company, a history of Australia’s largest asbestos manufacturers, James Hardie, which is being dramatized for the TV series Devil’s Dust.

“We are truly honored to have Matt as this year’s Asbestos Awareness Conference keynote speaker,” said Linda Reinstein, President/CEO and co-founder of ADAO. “His commitment to exposing the dangers of asbestos and the criminals who profit from it reflects ADAO’s mission – a world free of asbestos and asbestos-related diseases.”

ADAO’s international conference brings together renowned doctors, scientists, researchers, public health representatives and, most importantly, asbestos victims and their families – in a united forum to enhance asbestos awareness, education and collaboration.

“An estimated 107,000 people will die this year from asbestos-related diseases,” said Reinstein.  “As long as asbestos continues to be used in our country and across the globe, we cannot stop educating the public about asbestos exposure and fighting for its universal ban.”

ADAO’s conference mission is to provide the most advanced medical, occupational and environmental information available about asbestos-related diseases to individuals throughout the world. Conference presentations will focus on preventing exposure, advances in diagnosing and treating asbestos-related diseases, providing patient resources and a global advocacy session. For a complete list of conference events or to register, visit http://bit.ly/xJVhLF.

Please view ADAO’s previous blog on Matt’s video about asbestos use in India, India: The Toxic Trade.

###

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

Media Contact:
Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org