ADAO was honored to have so many amazing individuals come together at the 8th Asbestos Awareness Conference to discuss the impact of asbestos on public health, the environment, and the economy. We are excited to be able to share the inspiring and exceptional presenters, honorees, and discussion panels with our supportive community. Our latest video is of Fernanda Giannasi, founding member of ABREA (Brazilian Association of People Exposed to Asbestos), and her presentation, “Challenges to a Total Ban of Asbestos in Brazil.” Fernanda’s presentation was both enlightening and progressive, and ADAO completely supports the use of alternative materials in products that would otherwise contain asbestos.
Giannasi has been a Federal Factory Inspector in Brazil since 1983. During that time she has become a specialist in issues relating to asbestos, nuclear energy, and other toxins and carcinogens such as silica. Having been exiled to Osasco in 1995, Ms. Giannasi become aware of a number of cases of asbestos disease amongst the local population. In collaboration with former workers from the Osasco asbestos-cement factories, whom she came to know during her inspections of Eternit’s plant during the 1980’s, she began an investigation into the incidence of asbestos-related diseases in the city. She was a founding member of an organization – ABREA – that was set up in 1995 to act as a voice for Brazil’s asbestos victims. For her work on behalf of Brazil’s asbestos victims, she has received death threats and been sued by Brazilian asbestos stakeholders. Various groups in Brazil, the U.S., Japan, and Canada have also honored her.
In unity,
Linda
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