For Immediate Release: November 1, 2011

ADAO Supports November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month

New U.S. Geological Survey Statistics Show that U.S. Imports of Asbestos, a Leading Cause of Lung Cancer, are Estimated at 820 Metric Tons in 2010

Redondo Beach, CA … November 1, 2011 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO,) which combines education, advocacy, and community to provide a unified voice for asbestos victims, today issued this statement from ADAO Co-Founder and President, Linda Reinstein, in support of November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month:

“Lung cancer is one of the leading respiratory diseases caused by asbestos exposure, surpassing even mesothelioma – a well-known asbestos-caused cancer. Based on the estimated annual rate of mesothelioma deaths at 2,500 cases per year from NIOSH World Respiratory Disease Surveillance, ADAO estimates more than 5,000 Americans die from asbestos-caused lung cancer. Most scientific estimates suggest two lung cancers for every one mesothelioma death.

Despite the known dangers, according to a recently released report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), imports of asbestos into this country remain strong. The report states, ‘the United States imported an estimated 820 metric tons of asbestos through July 2010. Roofing products were estimated to account for about 72% of U.S. asbestos consumption.   The US imports 90% of asbestos from Canada and 10% from Brazil.’ This rate, although in decline due to recognized health and liability issues associated with asbestos, is unacceptable, particularly when numerous substitutes exist.

ADAO encourages participation in the National Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil hosted by The Lung Cancer Alliance, to be held Tuesday, November 1. Participants will share stories of survivorship and honor loved ones as they illuminate glow sticks in a united vigil. Interested parties can sign up via the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) Vigil website at www.lungcanceralliance.org. ADAO is hopeful that this November will reinforce our country’s recognition of the need for a full ban on asbestos. Limiting its use to certain manufacturing instances is not enough. We need to ensure the well-being of all of our workers, to see a day where asbestos is no longer a part of our manufacturing industry.”

Additionally, Linda Reinstein will be featured editorially in a Mediaplanet special insert to the USA TODAY on November 30th. The insert will cover topics from Pulmonary Hypertension to Mesothelioma, with an aggressive push for preemptive testing and overall lung health advocacy. The markets of distribution are scheduled for Boston, Washington D.C., Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville and Chicago.

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About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy and community. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

Media Contact:

Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Phone: (202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

Terence Cooke
Mediaplanet
Phone: (312) 337-4012
terence.cooke@mediaplanet.com

“#ADAO Supports November as Lung #Cancer Awareness Month” http://bit.ly/vVnkoA #Asbestos #lungcancer