June 1, 2018
ADAO Issues a Statement from its President and Co-founder, Linda Reinstein, on the Disappointment of the EPA’s Failure to Recognize Legacy Asbestos as a Deadly Hazard
Washington, DC — June 1, 2018 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community work; issued a statement today from ADAO President and Co-founder, Linda Reinstein, on the failings of the “Problem Formulation Document” released today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The document concerningly excludes ongoing exposures from legacy asbestos products in the environment, and the harmful Libby Amphibole from their risk review.
“With these exclusions, it is clear that the EPA will fail to evaluate the full risk of asbestos. The end result will be a seriously inadequate risk evaluation that fails to address major contributors to the heavy and growing toll of asbestos mortality and disease in the United States, and represents an irresponsible and unjust rollback of the recent Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform legislation.
“EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt adds to our outrage by stating ‘At the same time, we are moving forward to take important, unprecedented action on asbestos’, referring to a significant new use rule (SNUR) proposal. According to the EPA, the SNUR ‘would require manufacturers and importers to receive EPA approval before starting or resuming manufacturing, and importing or processing of asbestos.’ Yet, the best way to prevent new uses is to have a complete ban of asbestos in the U.S.
“An estimated 15,000 Americans die every year of preventable asbestos-related diseases, yet raw asbestos imports and use continue. It is incredulous to know that the EPA has ignored the science, the history, and the carnage that asbestos has caused throughout the nation each year. From the World Health Organization to the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, there is global consensus that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure or controlled use of asbestos.
“ADAO will fight this problem formulation document using three methods:
- Re-submit evidence into the EPA docket that confirms there is no safe or controlled use
- Move forward with the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN): S.2072 and H.R.5114.
- Advance our legal strategy to ensure the EPA implements TSCA according to the law
“ADAO encourages the participation of and collaboration with other stakeholders who are equally concerned about the inadequate EPA asbestos evaluation and who are committed to preventing asbestos exposure. The time is now for the EPA to fully evaluate the risk of asbestos in our homes, schools, and workplaces to end this man-made disaster to join more than 60 other countries who have already banned asbestos.”
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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
(202) 391-5205
kim@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org