Asbestos-caused cancers continues to claim thousands of lives every year in the United States and asbestos, a known carcinogen, has not been banned. Today is a great day for sharing your feelings and stories with us and throughout your social networks.  Our radical collaboration will fuel efforts to raise awareness to prevent exposure thus eliminating deadly cancers.  As a melanoma survivor and mesothelioma widow, join me, “Stand Up to Cancer.”

World Cancer Day takes place every year on February 4 and represents an initiative under which the entire world can unite in the fight against the global cancer epidemic.  The day, which is coordinated by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to help save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.  World Cancer Day 2012 has been themed “Together Let’s Do Something” because every person, organization, and government individually needs to do their part in order for the world to be able to reduce premature deaths from cancer by 25% by 2025.

Globally, every month 600,000 people die from cancer and many of these deaths could be prevented with increased governmental support and funding for prevention, detection, and treatment programs.  Asbestos, in particular, has been linked to various forms of cancer including lung cancer and mesothelioma.  Some studies have also suggested an association between exposure to asbestos and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as an increased risk for throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder cancers.[i] Asbestos has also been shown to cause cancers of the larynx and ovary.[ii] Today, on World Cancer Day, we encourage you to take a stand against asbestos-caused cancers such as mesothelioma by signing the North American Declaration to Eliminate Asbestos-Related Diseases.  Your signature represents the voices of North America’s citizens, as we demand that our government officials cease the mining, exportation, and use of asbestos.

As a melanoma survivor and mesothelioma widow, join me, “Stand Up to Cancer.”  Together, change is possible.

In unity,

Linda Reinstein’s Social Networks

ADAO Social Networks

[i] “Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk.” National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. 1 May. 2009. Web. 3 Feb. 2012.  < http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos>.

Last night, I cried after watching the CBC News Network video “Fatal Deception.” The news report highlighted inconsistencies and deceptions involved in a McGill University study on asbestos safety, the exposure of Canadian miners to asbestos, and their resulting asbestos-related health issues. The McGill study cited is flawed, lacks transparency, and contains manipulated data says Dr. David Egilman, a professor at Brown University, health activist, and longtime asbestos industry critic.  Dr. Bruce Case, the McGill scientist featured in the video, at one point outright refused to share details of the study, further raising questions about its credibility. Not surprisingly, documents exposed show that government and industry funded the study with a vested interest in its results.

Asbestos has been proven a human carcinogen, yet the Canadian government is thinking of reopening the Jeffrey Mine to expand the amount of asbestos mined and exported to developing countries.  The truth that the Canadian government and asbestos industry are trying to hide is that many workers and their families involved in the asbestos industry have fallen victim to the “miracle fiber” because the industry failed to provide the necessary precautions or even access to victims’ medical records.  As reported in this story, Heidi is one of these victims.  Mesothelioma claimed the lives of both her father, Wolfgang, a factory worker, and her mother, Doreen, who dutifully washed her husband’s work clothes every day.  Just recently, her sister was also diagnosed with this fatal disease.  Yet she is not defeated; she courageously stands up against the government and asbestos industry, advocating for a ban of the mining and exportation of asbestos. Thank you, Heidi, for sharing the stories of your father, Wolfgang, and mother, Doreen, and standing up for what’s right!

This report could not have come at a more interesting time.  Just this week, ADAO published a blog referencing the U.S. Geological Report that shows that imports of asbestos into the U.S. are actually on the rise!

If you want to prevent tragedies like Heidi’s, you can:

• Watch the CBC video.
• Turn your anger into action by signing the North American Declaration to Eliminate Asbestos-Related Diseases.
• Stay up to date on news by joining ADAO’s Facebook and Twitter networks.
• Share your Story.

In unity,

Linda Reinstein’s Social Networks

ADAO Social Networks

Congratulations to AFeVA and the community of Casale Monferrato!  Today, the city’s council decided to deny the proposed 18 million Euro settlement deal from the accused Eternit executives.  View the February 3 Official Announcement from the Municipality of Casale Monferrato.  This represents the city’s determination to see justice through for its victims and residents.   As a representative of the voices of asbestos victims, ADAO has had the great pleasure of meeting many of the individuals and organizations involved in this landmark case and is thrilled to support this momentous decision!

In order to maximize digital technology, ADAO has put together a comprehensive page of information regarding the trial.  For a full collection of blogs, videos, photos, and other resources so that you can follow the ongoing Eternit trial, visit our Eternit landing page.

The final Eternit verdict will be read this coming Monday, February 13 in Turin, Italy.  Tune in to http://www.afeva.it/, http://asbestosinthedock.ning.com/, and www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org for breaking news and information.

Romana, Nicola, and Bruno, congratulations to you, AFeVA, and the people of Casale!  ADAO salutes all of you today for your major victory!

In unity,

Linda Reinstein

Processo Eternit Facebook |   ADAO Facebook | Linda Reinstein’s Facebook |   2011 ADAO with AFEVA in Casale Photos

We are delighted to share with you our full collection of blogs, videos, photos, and social networks so that you may actively follow the ongoing Eternit trial in Italy. In only a matter of weeks, the final verdict will be handed down and www.gban.net, http://www.afeva.it/, and http://asbestosinthedock.ning.com/ will have full coverage. Let’s maximize our social communities by posting, sharing, and tweeting!

Processo Eternit Facebook |   ADAO Facebook | Linda Reinstein’s Facebook |   PHOTOS 2011 ADAO with AFEVA in Casale

October 14, 2011 Eternit Trial Update: The Defense Argues to Move the Case

ADAO would like to share with you the Wednesday, October the 12th, 2011 La Stampa article by Alberto Gaino, Torino, Italy. We and many others around the world continue to follow the Eternit Trial and support the great cities of … Continue reading →

October 7, 2011 AFEVA: THE ETERNIT TRIAL: THE DEFENSE IS GIVEN LEAVE TO SPEAK

Associazione Famigliari e Vittime dell’Amianto (AFEVA) Association Nationale de Défense des Victimes de l’Amiante (ANDEVA)- NEW REPORT: THE TURIN TRIAL THE CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION On the 26th and 27th of September, the hearings of the Eternit trial in Turin … Continue reading →

October 7, 2011 ANDEVA (France) and “The Turin Trial: The Case for the Prosecution”

ANDEVA is a French NGO that, as the National Association for the defense of asbestos victims, brings together many victims’ groups, families, and public health activists concerned with problems linked to asbestos. In 2011, ANDEVA members numbered approximately 23,000. The … Continue reading →

September 24, 2011 Asbestos Conference October 23 and 24 in Brussels by Eric Jonckheere

ABEVA and IOTA Asbestos Conference – Sunday, October 23 at the Bozar Palace in Brussels NEW Please email your asbestos victims’ photos on the wall of the Palais of Justice in Belguim by October 22, 2011 I am pleased to … Continue reading →

July 17, 2011 Eternit Trial Update by Silvana Mossano, La Stampa Journalist

Note: For the ease of global sharing, we have posted the La Stampa article in Italian and English “Sunday July the 17th, 2011 Alessandria edition of La Stampa by Silvana Mossano, Torino, Italy Arrivano i francesi. Saranno i 5 legali … Continue reading →

May 23, 2011 Eternit Press Release

JUSTIÇA OU IDEOLOGIA? ETERNIT S.A. a vista da matéria veiculada no site do TST, em 16/05/2011 na seção “Notícias do Tribunal Superior do Trabalho” e replicada em diversos veículos de comunicação sob o título de TST mantém indenização de R$ … Continue reading →

May 2, 2011 International Declaration: “Un Mondo Senza Amianto – A World Without Asbestos”

On April 28-29, 2011 in Casale Monferrato, Italy, a group of delegates from around the world gathered together at the Associazione Famigliari Vittime Amianto (AFEVA)’s “A World without Asbestos” conference calling for a global ban on asbestos and continued fight … Continue reading →

April 27, 2011 GBAN Joins International Delegates in Italy on for “A World without Asbestos”

GBAN is honored to be a part of a global consortium of asbestos awareness advocates speaking in Casale Monferrato, Italy on April 28th. The two-day “A World without Asbestos” conference is organized by Associazione Famigliari e Vittime dell’Amianto(AFEVA) together with … Continue reading →

January 5, 2011 Italy: “The Criminal Trial of Stephan Schmidheiny in Turin, Italy” by Dr. Barry Castleman

VIDEO: The Criminal Trial of Stephan Schmidheiny in Turin, Italy The Schmidheineys are one of Switzerland’s very most wealthy families. Stephan inherited the Eternit asbestos-cement company to run when he was 29, in 1976. These enterprises were run through various years…

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ADAO BLOGS

January 5, 2012 Eternit Trial Update: Billionaire’s Deal Proposal Sparks Outrage

JUST IN FROM BRAZIL by Fernanda Giannasi STEPHAN SCHMIDHEINY: THE “BILL GATES OF SWITZERLAND” or “THE GODFATHER” OF ASBESTOS? We were joined by people from around the world last night in remembrance of those who have or are currently battling mesothelioma, such as those most closely affected by the Eternit Trial in Italy. The Eternit Continue reading →

August 4, 2011 Casale Monferrato – “A symbol of the struggle against asbestos” by Silvana Mossano, Italy

Guest Blog by Silvana Mossano, Casale Monferrato August 2011 On December the 10th 2009 the Eternit trial started at the Turin Courts: it is the largest and most important criminal case ever to have been held following an environmental disaster – industrial pollution which caused thousands of victims in the case in point. Continue reading →

July 17, 2011 Eternit Trial Update by Silvana Mossano, La Stampa Journalist

Note: For the ease of global sharing, we have posted the La Stampa article in Italian and English “Sunday July the 17th, 2011 Alessandria edition of La Stampa by Silvana Mossano, Torino, Italy Arrivano i francesi. Saranno i 5 legali d’Oltralpe a chiudere, domani, lo spazio della discussione riservato alle parti civili. Sono stati rappresentati, finora, Continue reading →

July 4, 2011 ETERNIT TRIAL UPDATE: 20 Years in Jail for Asbestos Billionaire

Turin, Italy, July 4th, 2011 Statement by the asbestos victims’ association of Casale Monferrato, Associazione Famigliari e Vittime dell’Amianto (AFEVA) “In a criminal trial in Turin, prosecutor Raffaele Guariniello delivered a closing statement in the trial of asbestos magnates Stephan Schmidheiny and Belgian Baron Jean Louis Marie Ghislain De Cartier de Marchienne. ‘An appalling disaster’ Continue reading →

May 16, 2011 Eternit Press Release

JUSTIÇA OU IDEOLOGIA? ETERNIT S.A. a vista da matéria veiculada no site do TST, em 16/05/2011 na seção “Notícias do Tribunal Superior do Trabalho” e replicada em diversos veículos de comunicação sob o título de TST mantém indenização de R$ 300 mil a vendedor da Eternit afetado com amianto. Em respeito à verdade e à Continue reading →

May 2, 2011 AFEVA’s “A World without Asbestos”

To read the International Declaration: “Un Mondo Senza Amianto – A World Without Asbestos” drafted by the conference participants which was sent to the United Nations, CLICK HERE. To view photos of the conference in the Facebook photo album. I recently had the pleasure of traveling to Casale Monferrato, Italy to participate in the AssociazioneContinue reading →

May 2, 2011 International Declaration: “Un Mondo Senza Amianto – A World without Asbestos”

On April 28-29, 2011 in Casale Monferrato, Italy, a group of delegates from around the world gathered together at the Associazione Famigliari Vittime Amianto (AFEVA)’s “A World without Asbestos” conference calling for a global ban on asbestos and continued fight for justice for the victims of this tragedy. The following letter was drafted and signedContinue reading →

April 22, 2011 ADAO Joins International Delegates in Italy on for “A World without Asbestos”

ADAO is honored to be a part of a global consortium of asbestos awareness advocates speaking in Casale Monferrato, Italy on April 28th. The two-day “A World without Asbestos” conference is organized by Associazione Famigliari e Vittime dell’Amianto(AFEVA) together with unions CGIL, CISL, UIL, and other associations and under the patronage of the City of Continue reading →

April 4, 2011 Battling Asbestos in Brazil

April 6 By Fernanda Giannasi After decades of struggling, Brazil has 4 states and several important cities which have banned asbestos. As Labour Inspector for the Ministry of Labor since 1983, I have worked diligently to defend the public interest regarding worker safety and health. We were able to accomplish this only through constant vigilance and community Continue reading →

Heather is a courageous mother, wife, survivor of mesothelioma cancer, and founder of 6th Annual Lungleavin Day Celebration where you can “Throw Your Fears to the Fire!”

Read Heather’s, “The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears”, Share Your Story –  you will be touched and inspired.

We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a common bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the “Share Your Story” feature on our website.

This week, we would like to honor the story of Charles as told through his daughter, Annemarie, who is a part of our ADAO family.

We encourage you to submit your personal stories by clicking here and following the simple instructions on the page. In sharing, comes healing. Remember, you are not alone.

CHARLES’ STORY

(shared by his daughter, Annemarie)

Name: Charles

Date of Birth: 20-FEB

State: FL

Date of Diagnosis: 8-9-2010

Diagnosis: Pleural mesothelioma

Treatment: chemotherapy

Date of Death: 11-27-2011

How has Asbestos changed your life? (unedited): As I sit here to try to compose this, how I miss my Dad. My Dad was a strong and loving man. He never complained about anything. Even when he was sick and knew he was going to pass on to the other life, he was always thinking about his family. With my Dad passing away this disease has changed my life.

My Dad had his share of illness in his lifetime, but to see an 85 year old who loved to work around the yard, or either building something with his hammer be brought down to someone who had to struggle to fight. When he was first diagnosed he had operations to help him, went thru Chemo and then we were all told that the Chemo was not working any more. My Dad passed away 2 months ago to the date as I am writing this. We all need to find a cure. I made a promise to him that I would try to do this so no other person had to go thru what he went thru. I know that my Dad is now at peace. I had the pleasure of being his caretaker thru it all. It was the best job that I ever had in my lifetime, to take care of someone you love.

* * *

View our previous stories HERE.

New ADAO PowerPoint Summary on SlideShare

For Immediate Release:

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Issues Statement on 2012 U.S. Geological Survey Report

Los Angeles, CA.  – January 25, 2012 The following statement was issued today by Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, regarding the 2012 United States Geological Survey report about the dramatic increase in asbestos importation to the United States

Los Angeles, CA.  – January 25, 2012 “As a Mesothelioma widow and asbestos awareness advocate, I was appalled and shocked to discover today that the 2012 United States Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries reported asbestos consumption from January through July of 2011 to be 1,100 metric tons; however, when comparing a previous report from January through July of 2010, asbestos consumption was reported to be 820 metric tons. This difference of 220 metric tons between January – July, 2010 and January – July, 2011 represents a 34% increase in consumption.  In 1977, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared asbestos a human carcinogen, yet occupational and environmental exposure continues throughout the United States.

The World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and United States Surgeon General all agree – there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The EPA estimates that’3,000 different types of commercial products contain some amount of asbestos, and their use ranges from paper products and brake linings to floor tiles and thermal insulation.’

The asbestos industry has argued for years that importation and exposure has been decreasing; however, we have discovered today that their argument simply isn’t true. As the USGS asbestos report cited, ‘Roofing products were estimated to account for about 60% of U.S. consumption; the chloralkali industry about 35%; and unknown applications, 5%.  All the asbestos used in the United States was chrysotile.’  More than 10,000 Americans die every year from asbestos-caused diseases such as Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, and Lung Cancer.

On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), I am calling on Congress and the President to immediately prohibit the importation of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products from crossing our borders to protect public health. I have lost my husband, Alan, to Mesothelioma, a disease caused from asbestos exposure. Nothing can bring him or the hundreds of thousands of other victims back to life, but we can begin by aggressively preventing exposure thus eliminating deadly diseases.”

# # #

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
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. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

Media Contact:
Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
United States Geological Survey Report Excerpts:

2011 Domestic Production and Use: Asbestos has not been mined in the United States since 2002. The United States is dependent on imports to meet manufacturing needs. Asbestos consumption in the United States was estimated to be 1,100 tons, based on asbestos imports from January through July, 2011. Roofing products were estimated to account for about 60% of U.S. consumption; the chloralkali industry about 35%; and unknown applications, 5%.

2010 Domestic Production and Use: Asbestos has not been mined in the United States since 2002, so the United States is dependent on imports to meet manufacturing needs. Asbestos consumption in the United States was estimated to be 820 tons, based on asbestos imports from January through July, 2010. Roofing products were estimated to account for about 72% of U.S. consumption and other applications, 28%.

Tweet News about #ADAO’s Congressional Meetings and #Senate Staff Briefing http://bit.ly/x7QePM #asbestos #mesothelioma #osh

After an exciting couple of days in Washington, D.C., ADAO’s delegation of victims and speakers is back and eager to share an update of the events!  You can check out our pre-D.C. blog, Briefing PowerPoint presentation, and Executive Summary (with quotes from Drs. Frank and Castleman, Linda Reinstein, Brent Kynoch, and Marilyn Amento), in addition to photos from our trip on Facebook.  If you were following us on Twitter (@Linda_ADAO), you may have seen our frequent updates.

The trip was a huge success!  Our delegates shared information about the asbestos public health crisis with U.S. political decision-makers representing 16 states at an informational Senate Briefing, “Asbestos: The Impact on Public Health, the Environment, and the Economy,” and numerous meetings with Senate and House offices.  Members agreed, asbestos is a carcinogen, and ADAO saw offices embrace bipartisan collaboration.   Our meetings and briefing raised asbestos and mesothelioma awareness and encouraged attendees to make policy to prevent exposure, eliminate disease, and save lives and dollars a priority in 2012. 

Thank you for all of your encouragement while we are away!  ADAO is thankful for the assistance of all those who allowed us to share their stories and represent the voices of asbestos victims.  For those of you that contacted your state’s Senate office, you were part of the reason for such a great turnout!  The following states were in attendance: Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.  If your state could not make it, feel free to digitally share our January 19 Senate Briefing materials with your two U.S. Senators’ offices.  As Rebecca Shearburn’s recent Facebook post will show, there is still action you can take to inform your state Senators!

In unity,

Linda

Linda Reinstein’s Social Networks

ADAO Social Networks

 ADAO’s SENATE STAFF BRIEFING POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Senate Briefing Executive Summary, “Asbestos: The Impact on Public Health, the Environment, and the Economy”
 
Asbestos cancer and respiratory diseases claim the lives of more than 10,000 Americans each year. The deadly hazard of asbestos has been known for decades; the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Surgeon General have declared that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Even limited exposure over a short period of time can lead to disease decades later. More than 55 countries worldwide have banned asbestos; although safe substitutes exist, the United States has still not done so.

Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

1)      The World Health Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Surgeon General agree: asbestos is a human carcinogen and there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

2)      In industrialized nations, nearly one in three people with mesothelioma have no history of workplace exposure to asbestos.

3)      10,000 American die every year from preventable asbestos-caused diseases.

4)      The attics and walls of an estimated 30 million U.S. homes were insulated with Zonolite.

Arthur Frank, MD, PhD, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Drexel University School of Public Health

1)      Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that in the past was used for 3-4,000 products. 

2)      All forms of asbestos, including the five amphiboles and chrysotile can all cause asbestos-related disease. 

3)      There are two classes of disease.  The non-malignant diseases are variable, but the most important, asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue), has caused up to 10% of deaths in some groups.  The cancers (lung, mesothelioma, larynx, and others) are a major source of death for exposed individuals. 

Barry Castleman, ScD, Environmental Consultant

1)      The US still imports asbestos from Canada and asbestos products from a large number of countries.  Monitoring of asbestos product imports for OSHA cancer labeling is needed.          

2)      There are safer substitutes to asbestos that provide equal functionality at comparable costs. 

3)      55 countries worldwide have banned asbestos.  The United States still has not. 

Brent Kynoch, Environmental Information Association

1)      Asbestos regulation does exist, including through TSCA, NESHAP, and OSHA.

2)      Existing laws to protect worker and environmental health are sufficient, but are not enforced adequately. 

Marilyn Amento, Mesothelioma Widow

1)      Asbestos manufacturing took place in Ambler, PA (.8 mile square) for over 100 years.

2)      More than 3 million tons of asbestos waste spanning over 75 acres continues to threaten public health today.

ADAO’S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND BREIFING FACTS: RELEASED ON THURSDAY JANUARY 19 AT 4:00 PM

As part of its education, advocacy, and community efforts, ADAO is pleased to be traveling this week to Washington, D.C. to hold an educational Senate Briefing, “Asbestos: The Impact on Public Health, the Environment, and the Economy” and meet with government officials.  A group of ADAO representatives including Dr. Arthur Frank, Dr. Barry Castleman, Brent Kynoch, Marilyn Amento, and I will present the most up-to-date facts to members and staffers in the Senate so that they can make informed legislative and policy decisions.  Our hope is to offer critical asbestos information and encourage bipartisan interagency collaboration to address a threat that affects all Americans.  As always, ADAO will leverage social media to share its experiences.  Follow us at @Linda_ADAO as our intern, Spencer, tweets straight from the Senate Briefing!

We would like to give special thanks to our volunteers, ADAO Science Advisory Board, generous sponors, and donors!  ADAO is taking the stories of those in our network to the Hill, including the many individuals who have submitted their story through Share Your Story and that of honorees such as the recently announced honoree Steve McQueen, who will be honored posthumously at ADAO’s 8^th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference.  As part of a longstanding ADAO tradition, we will be dedicating the Senate Briefing to the many individuals battling asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, specifically Heather, Larry, Debbie, Mavis, Julie, Todd, Paul, Janelle, and Rob.  While that is not an exhaustive list of all of our Warriors, ADAO will share their stories on behalf of everyone affected by asbestos-related disease.

Stay tuned for an update upon our return from Washington, D.C.!

In unity,

Linda

Linda Reinstein’s Social Networks

ADAO Social Networks