FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2026 

ADAO Announces Distinguished Keynote Speakers and Special Musical Guests for Its 21st Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference

Leading experts, advocates, and honorees will gather for Academic Conference and Awards Dinner–in conjunction with Mesothelioma Awareness Day

September 25–26, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. — August 1, 2026: The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community initiatives, today announced the keynote speakers for its 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, “Asbestos: Awareness, Prevention, and the Law” taking place September 25–26, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

The conference’s principal events will be held on September 26–in conjunction with Mesothelioma Awareness Day. A full-day academic conference, followed by ADAO’s Awards and Recognition Dinner and Candle Lighting Ceremony, will be included. 

Dr. Dan Whu, MD, MPH, FACPM, FAAMA, Chief Medical Officer of the International Association of Fire Fighters, will deliver the keynote address at the Mesothelioma Awareness Day Academic Conference. The IAFF represents nearly 370,000 professional firefighters and paramedics.

Dr. Whu is a founding member, senior disaster physician, and medical team manager for FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force 1. During more than 40 years as an emergency first responder, he has deployed to major national and international disasters, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Maria, and the Surfside condominium collapse. Asbestos exposure can occur during these natural disasters when old buildings are destroyed, which sends the tiny fibers into the air. Firefighters are twice as likely as the average citizen to contract asbestos-caused cancers like mesothelioma. 

Julie Gundlach, a mesothelioma survivor and longtime asbestos-ban advocate, will deliver the keynote address at the Mesothelioma Awareness Day Awards and Recognition Dinner. Diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in 2006 following secondary asbestos exposure, Gundlach traveled across the country seeking treatment and underwent multiple radical surgeries and chemotherapy protocols. She has remained stable since 2014.

Gundlach has advocated on Capitol Hill with ADAO, served on Department of Defense mesothelioma research panels, and remains deeply committed to securing a comprehensive ban on asbestos. Her personal experience has both opened the eyes of policymakers to the dangers of asbestos and helped ADAO grow our community of mesothelioma warriors and caregivers. 

“For more than two decades, ADAO has brought together experts, survivors, advocates, and allies in the fight to end asbestos exposure and eradicate asbestos-caused diseases,” said Linda Reinstein, ADAO president and co-founder. “Dr. Whu and Julie Gundlach are exceptional leaders whose expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment to justice and public health will inspire and energize our community. We are proud to welcome them as our 2026 keynote speakers.”

Conference Schedule

September 25 — An Evening Under the Stars
Join us for an evening of entertainment, community, and inspiration, featuring renowned musical guests Jordan Zevon, Jordan Summers, and Matt Cartsonis, who will share their musical talents as we celebrate progress, honor advocates, and strengthen connections.

September 26 — Academic Conference
Leading experts in medicine, science, public health, law, labor, government, and advocacy will examine advances in asbestos prevention, treatment, research, public policy, and justice.

Along with esteemed keynotes, the academic portion of the conference will feature panels covering a number of key topics, including:

  • Session I: Two Decades of Advocacy: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward
  • Session II: Asbestos Prevention and Health Impacts: Risks, Diagnosis, and Advances Treatment
  • Session III: From Awareness to Action: Policy, Advocacy, and Strategic Communications
  • Session IV: Asbestos and the Law: Litigation, Regulation, and Legislative Action

September 26 — Awards and Recognition Dinner and Candle Lighting Ceremony
ADAO will honor individuals whose contributions have advanced asbestos prevention, public health, scientific research, patient advocacy, and justice.

“Each year we step back to recognize and honor those who have shown extraordinary dedication and courage to our cause. Our success is only possible because of the wide variety of stakeholders, allies, and experts who have united to advance policy, advocacy, and prevention efforts. We are working towards a future free from asbestos-related diseases, and that work is only possible when we work together,” Reinstein concluded.

ADAO gratefully recognizes its 2026 conference sponsors:

For conference information and registration, visit adaoconference.org.