Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Went to the Front Lines in 2014, with More than 40,000 People United in the Fight against Asbestos
With a Presence at Over 12 Global Events, Record Breaking 10th Annual Conference, and Increased Outreach, “Voice of the Victims” Gets Louder
Los Angeles, CA – December 8, 2014 – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest independent non-profit organization in the U.S. which combines education, advocacy, and community to help ensure justice for asbestos victims; today announced the highlights of its 2014 Year-In-Review.
With more than 40,000 people in its network, ADAO took its voice to the front lines to influence global policy, advocate for an asbestos ban, and promote research. The organization further strengthened its network of victims, physicians, researchers, public health practitioners, and labor union members and increased its credibility as a leader in the field with presentations at more than 12 conferences around the world.
“Every 2014 accomplishment is possible because of the generosity of volunteers, individual donors and, sponsors, who fuel our work and further our cause,” stated ADAO President Linda Reinstein. “We especially thank those who helped make our 10th Annual Conference in 2014 such a huge success and we are looking forward to setting new records of support for all of our programs next year, and in particular, our 2015 conference. The need has never been greater as we work together to influence a global ban, and join our minds and hearts to create a future where asbestos no longer claims lives.”
Top 2014 Highlights:
Education Initiatives: In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure, ADAO:
- Hosted ADAO’s 3-day 10th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference: “Where Knowledge and Action Unite” with Keynote Speaker Rear Admiral Boris Lushniak, Acting U.S. Surgeon General
- Held 6th Congressional Staff Briefing: “Asbestos: The Impact on Public Health and the Environment”
- Spoke at more than a dozen international events to further global ban efforts and share critical asbestos awareness information; examples include:
- 20th World Congress on Safety and Health “Asbestos in the Americas” Symposium, Frankfurt, Germany
- International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) Conference
Cape Town, South Africa - 1st International Conference on Asbestos Awareness and Management
Melbourne, Australia
Advocacy Initiatives: In order to advocate for an international ban on asbestos use and the mining and exportation of this known carcinogen, ADAO:
Supported U.S. Senate’s passage of the Tenth Annual Resolution which designated April 1-7, 2014 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”
Community Initiatives: In an effort to provide a community of support for those affected by asbestos, ADAO:
- Published numerous “Share Your Story” blogs through website and social media platforms
- Supported two Mesothelioma Awareness Day events
- Created numerous infographics including Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s Impact from 2004 – 2014 infographic (4th)
Despite its known dangers, there is still no global ban on asbestos, and it continues to claim lives. Exposure to asbestos, a human carcinogen, can cause mesothelioma, lung, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers; as well as non-malignant lung and pleural disorders. The World Health Organization estimates that 107,000 workers around the world will die every year of an asbestos-related disease, equaling 300 deaths per day.
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About the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO is the largest non-profit in the U.S. dedicated to providing asbestos victims and concerned citizens with a united voice through our education, advocacy, and community initiatives. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, advocate for an asbestos ban, and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact:
Kim Cecchini
Media Relations
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-5205
Kim@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org