Experts Build Momentum for National Asbestos Awareness Week Beginning April 1st

Washington, DC … April 1, 2010 —The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today announced a powerful week long series of contributions from renowned asbestos experts during National Asbestos Awareness Week. The series, which began today, will be shared via the ADAO website and via numerous social media channels including Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.

“National Asbestos Awareness Week”, which has been established as law for the past six consecutive years, urges the Surgeon General to warn and educate Americans of the severe hazards of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is one of the most deadly substances found in nature, yet it continues to be mined and exported internationally. Roughly 10,000 Americans per year die of cancer caused by asbestos. It has been documented consistently that there is no safe form of asbestos and no safe level of exposure.

“Exposed – The Facts of Asbestos” will focus on critical topics including the history of asbestos; prevention, detection and treatment; consumer product information; and ban initiatives. A global candle lighting vigil will be held on April 1 to honor loved ones lost to asbestos and empower unity in the fight for an international ban.

“Exposed” Contributions (available via the ADAO website) include:

April 1st Linda Reinstein, President/CEO, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

April 2nd Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH, Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS(Ret.) & Rear Admiral (Ret.) and  ADAO Science Advisory Board Co-Chair

April 3rd Ken Cook, President, Environmental Working Group (EWG)

April 4th J. Brent Kynoch, Managing Director, Environmental Information Association (EIA) and Tom Laubenthal, ATC Associates Inc.

April 5th Arthur L. Frank, PhD, MD, Professor of Public Health and Chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the Drexel University School of Public Health in Philadelphia and ADAO Science Advisory Board Co-Chair

April 6th Paul Zygielbaum, ADAO Product Testing Manager and Laurie Kazan-Allen, IBAS

April 7th Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH, Assistant Research Professor, Dept of Environ & Occup Health, School of Public Health & Health Services, The George Washington University & Jordan Zevon, ADAO Spokesperson

 “The Exposed series is a testament to the fact that knowledge is more powerful than asbestos,” said Linda Reinstein, ADAO President/CEO and Co-Founder. “We are extremely honored to have contributions from such a diverse and expert group of asbestos experts who share a united passion to end asbestos disease. This series, which kicks off today, will be available online via numerous social media outlets, making it extremely accessible.”

ADAO’s Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference will be held on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Sponsorship and tickets are available until April 1.

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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 the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. 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