ADAO is proud to host the 20th Congressional Staff Briefing, “Impact of Asbestos on Public Health, Environment, and Economy” on September 23, 2026, at 12 – 1 pm EDT. 

Dedication: This briefing is dedicated to the first responders, workers, and residents of lower Manhattan lost to asbestos-related disease since 9/11.

Our Ask: Senate offices, cosponsor S.5235 (Merkley, Curtis). House offices, cosponsor H.R.5373 (Bonamici, Bacon). More than 50 countries ban asbestos. The United States has not.

Topics

  1. Health effects of asbestos and asbestos-related disease
  2. 9/11 at 25 years: exposure among responders, workers, and residents
  3. Current imports and uses, and legacy asbestos in schools, homes, and federal buildings
  4. EPA’s Part 1 chrysotile rule, the Fifth Circuit challenge, and the delayed Part 2 legacy rule
  5. The bipartisan Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act

Speakers

  • Brent Kynoch, Environmental Information Association
  • Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
  • Greg Russell, International Association of Fire Fighters
  • Robert Sussman, JD, Counsel, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

Briefing Materials

ARBAN Act

EPA and Litigation

9/11 at 25 Years

  • The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 400,000 people were exposed. (CNN)
  • Settled dust at Ground Zero contained 0.8 to 3.0 percent asbestos. Mesothelioma has appeared in lower Manhattan survivors 15 to 19 years after exposure (2024 study).
  • In 2003, EPA’s Inspector General found EPA lacked sufficient data when it declared the air safe on September 18, 2001 (report).
  • In September 2026, New York City released more than 170,000 pages of records showing officials knew of elevated asbestos results in late 2001 (PolitiFact, NYC 9/11 Document Portal).
  • Residents, workers, and students, not only responders, may qualify for the World Trade Center Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund, which accepts claims through October 1, 2090.

Studies, Stories, and Education