Posted on November 30, 2015
ADAO applauds the Australian Government for recognizing the dangers of asbestos and establishing the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) in 2013. As a leader in asbestos and awareness in Australia and around the world, ASEA combines education and advocacy to promote asbestos awareness and management throughout the country. This year, nearly 400 delegates from 10 countries gathered to discuss solutions and issues surrounding the continuing problem of asbestos. Although asbestos was banned in Australia a number of years ago, mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases still remain a threat from contamination.
This year ADAO was honored to attend and present for the 2nd time at ASEA’s 2nd International Asbestos Awareness and Management landmark conference. It was truly an honor to present with Dr. Tim Driscoll in the “Global Burden of Disease: Implications for Developing Countries” session. The presentation brought to light the growing size of the asbestos market in developing countries, their lack of medical and political safeguards to protect citizens from exposure, and their subsequently rising burden of asbestos-related disease.
Australia’s exemplary proactive measures, including a full asbestos ban and continued emphasis on education and prevention, should be followed by our international community. We hope other governments will follow Australia’s lead in increasing national asbestos awareness efforts and that the USA will soon recognize the need to ban asbestos to protect public health and our environment.
ADAO is grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this spectacular conference and strengthened alliances for a world free of asbestos. Watch for ASEA conference updates and videos in the near future.
In unity,
Linda