For Immediate Release: June 23, 2015
ADAO Issues Statement in Opposition to TSCA Modernization Act of 2015 (H.R. 2576)
House Passage of Grossly Inadequate Rollback for True Chemical Reform Underscores Continued War against Asbestos
Washington DC – June 23, 2015 – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which combines education, advocacy, and community to prevent exposure and ensure justice for asbestos victims, today issued the following statement from Linda Reinstein, mesothelioma widow and ADAO President and Co-Founder in opposition to the passage of the TSCA Modernization Act of 2015 (H.R. 2576) sponsored by Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL-15). The bill, a bipartisan effort purportedly designed to reform the fatally flawed outdated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 in order to protect the public from toxic substances such as asbestos, is in actuality grossly inadequate and a rollback for true chemical reform.
According to Ms. Reinstein:
“New estimates suggest that asbestos exposure in the U.S. alone is responsible for up to 15,000 American deaths from asbestos-related diseases every year, yet it continues to be legal, lethal, and widely used in the U.S. H.R. 2576 is grossly inadequate in protecting the American public from the 84,000 chemicals present in our homes, communities, environment, and commerce; and perpetuates an inefficient system of reviewing and regulating dangerous chemicals. In fact, proposed legislation only allows for approximately 10 of these 84,000 chemicals to be reviewed by the EPA each year.
Most significantly, the bill does not even mention asbestos in its language, despite the fact that asbestos has caused one of the largest man-made disasters in history. My message to these members of Congress is clear: for every life lost to asbestos, a shattered family is left behind.
ADAO supports the Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemicals Protection Act (S. 725), introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Ed Markey, which specifically name asbestos and ensures the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can expeditious review and take action to ban this toxic chemical.
The movement to end asbestos exposure is gaining significant momentum. We do not consider the House passage of this flawed legislation – H.R. 2576 – to be a deterrent to the war against asbestos – but merely another important example of why the war must continue. And one day, we will be victorious.”
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About the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin in 2004 and headquartered in Redondo Beach, California. ADAO is the largest independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, eliminating asbestos-related diseases, and protecting asbestos victims’ civil rights through education, advocacy, and community initiatives. ADAO, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, does not make legal referrals.
Media Contact:
Kim Cecchini
Media Relations
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-5205
Kim@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org