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Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Newsletter |  |
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FROM THE EDITOR
As the new ADAO Editor, I take pride in our bi-monthly
International
eNewsletter and hope you enjoy our fresh, new look. Watch for exciting
new additions and improvements in future issues.
Our next eNewsletter will be sent on July 1st, barring any
important updates, in between. Until then, I welcome
your suggestions for future articles or questions regarding article
submissions. Herman Hamilton, Editor Herman@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization applauds the
United States Senate for designating the first week of April as
"National Asbestos Awareness Week." In particular, ADAO praises Senator
Max Baucus (D-MT) and additional cosponsors and key supporters of
S.RES.108 including: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Richard Durbin
(D-IL), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Edward Kennedy (D-
MA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and
Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) for their leadership in this important
legislative victory.
The Resolution was passed by unanimous consent. Every U.S. Senator supported asbestos awareness! Most significantly, the Senate urged the Surgeon General "to warn and educate people that asbestos exposure may be hazardous to their health" and requested the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Surgeon General. Together, we are making progress in asbestos disease awareness. To read Senate Resolution 108, please go HERE
By: Linda Reinstein
The 3rd Annual Asbestos Awareness Day International Conference, held at the Drexel University in Philadelphia on March 31, 2007, was an international success. Sponsored by ADAO, Drexel University School of Public Health and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), the meeting drew registrants, speakers, honorees, and volunteers from Germany, South Africa, England, Canada, and the United States. Legendary leaders shared more than 400 years of collective education about asbestos. Each speaker donated not only their time, but also their travel expenses. We were honored to include speakers from the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency. Top medical experts in the field of Asbestos-Related Diseases (ARDs) discussed Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of Nonmalignant and Malignant ARDs, Trauma and Global Asbestos Advocacy. Speakers presenting were;
Before breaking for lunch, the conference paid tribute to the ADAO Asbestos Awareness Day Honorees.
Dr. Peter Orris, from the World Health Organization (WHO),
delivered our keynote address and shared the WHO Asbestos Policy paper
and addressed "Tackling a Global Problem with Global Solutions"
Enough cannot be said about the hard work put into the conference by the many ADAO volunteers. We also want to give special thanks to Dr. Arthur Frank and the Drexel University staff and Laurie Kazan-Allen from International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS). We would like to thank our corporate sponsors. For the second year, Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc (FDI) was a silver sponsor, followed by Glenemeade and Schering-Plough. This year, ADAO established a client tribute program. The firms' donations were placed in an educational account to defray the costs of our conference and do not fund our operational expenses. We would like to thank the following firms:
With gratitude and respect, ADAO would like to thank the ADAO
Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Committee Chairs for their excellent
teamwork and bringing this vision to fruition.
We sincerely thank each of AAD Committee Chair's for unselfishly giving their time, support and donations during the past year. Four important volunteers who were unable to attend our conference deserve special recognition - Ellen, our Webmaster, Margy, our National Director and Registration and Program Chair, Herman, Executive Assistant and Marsha, our Program Tribute Co-Chair.
The conference wrap written by Laurie Kazan- Allen can be read HERE We look forward to seeing everyone in Detroit, Michigan for our 4th Annual 2008 Asbestos Awareness Day Conference. Date to be determined.
CONFERENCE "MEET AND GREET" WITH JORDAN ZEVON
By: Greg and Charlene Komar Storey, ADAO New York City
Representatives
The ADAO conference got off to a rousing start on Friday night, as attendees gathered for a cocktail reception at Philadelphia's elegant Marriott Downtown. People who had become old friends through email and the ADAO newsletter finally met in person. Many made new friends and contacts, and those who have met at past events renewed acquaintances.
A highlight of the event was a performance by ADAO National
Spokesperson Jordan Zevon, who lost his father, singer/songwriter
Warren Zevon, to mesothelioma in 2003.
Jordan, a singer/songwriter himself, recounted how his father
had been diagnosed with the deadly disease and told by a radiologist
that he had only three months to live. Warren could have waited
passively to die, Jordan said, but he refused to do that. Instead, he
poured himself into making a final album. Warren completed "The Wind,"
which won two Grammys. Although he died before the awards were
presented, it's success drew nationwide attention not only to Warren's
courageous effort, but also to the tragedy of mesothelioma.
Jordan -- who has a CD coming out on June 26 and is debuting
with his band at The Mint in Los Angeles on May 1 -- performed one of
his own songs, "This Girl" for ADAO conference attendees. He also sang
his father's famous "Werewolves of London," which had attendees
ahhhh-ooooing along.
Linda Reinstein acknowledged the efforts and dedication of
ADAO co-founder Doug Larkin, who lost his father-in-
law to mesothelioma. Linda told how she and Doug met at a Congressional
hearing and realized that there was no organization that provided a
voice for the disease's victims and their families. The result was ADAO.
ADAO REMEMBRANCE
By: Sandy Robbins
Drawn together by the unity of a common cause, people across the globe paused at 10:30 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, April 1, 2007. In the final hour of an educationally focused, emotionally charged, and spiritually uplifting weekend at Drexel University, crusaders in the Asbestos Disease Awareness battle came together to individually remember a beloved family member, or friend, whose needless and senseless death had propelled us into that moment. As we lit candles and watched their warm glow through tear-filled eyes, we held memories in our hearts. Our first memories were those of our lost loved ones. Then, came memories of our steadfast vows to them to fight for education, prevention, and ultimately a permanent, worldwide ban on asbestos. What a powerful scene! How awesome it must have looked from above, as determined men, women, and children around the world united at that very moment in the lighting of candles and the rekindling of our mutual resolve.
HONOREE MESSAGE
By: Survivor Paul Zygielbaum and Michelle Zygielbaum,
Activists
As a couple living under the shadow of asbestos-related disease, we have chosen to do what we can to end commercial asbestos poisoning in the US and worldwide, achieve justice for victims, and improve medical treatments for patients. Tens of thousands of families have stories like ours, differing in details but based in the same sense of loss, violation and frustration. We all carry battle scars on our bodies or in our hearts, but all of us together, through our common strength and action, are progressing toward victory. We are grateful for the recognition of our peers, symbolized by the Tribute of Inspiration Award. We thank ADAO for this award, in which we, in turn, see the inspiration that we gain from every victim and their loved ones.
Full AAD Conference video online broadcast coming soon!
By Dr. Richard Lemen and Sue Ann Taylor
The ADAO channel, produced and built by ZeelTV is potentially the most important tool available to asbestos effected individuals. The educational and advocacy opportunities afforded by having the entire symposium available to the internet connected world with a single click has the potential to be as important as democracy. By offering the same information to the world at the same time, ideas can be exchanged, experiences can be shared, and policymakers can be educated and moved to make important decisions at critical times. The home video camera brought images of Tiennaman Square to
the world. Rodney King was not the first victim of police brutality,
but the first one caught on tape. These events changed history and how
governments work in the world. ADAO will continue to expand the
asbestos video library with and use the powerful medium to increase
awareness to the asbestos epidemic around the world. With the click of
a mouse everyone can be armed with the information they need to create
change and build unity around the world.
ADAO Launches Powerful Video featuring Capitol Hill Tunnel Supervisor John Thayer
ADAO launched a powerful online video featuring John Thayer,
Supervisor of the Capitol Power Plant Tunnel Crew for the Architect of
the Capitol, based on John's AAD Conference presentation which can be
viewed,
HERE
The video shows detailed and revealing pictures of asbestos dust and environmental hazards within the Capitol Hill tunnels where John and his crew work. They have been leading advocate's for justice and increased safety for tunnel workers and this video is an important educational resource to help stop the spread of asbestos related diseases. "My crew maintains the five miles of underground utility tunnels that supply heat and cooling to all of Congress and some 20 other federal office buildings on Capitol Hill," stated John Thayer Supervisor of the Capitol Power Plant Tunnel Crew for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). "The tunnels are a tough place to work. Temperatures get up to 160 degrees, big slabs of concrete fall from the ceilings, and the cramped passages are thick with welding fumes, pulverized asbestos and concrete dust. We know from personal experience the lethal danger that asbestos presents because we have worked in and breathed asbestos for decades, and are now beginning to suffer the health consequences. The Architect of the Capitol knew, but didn't tell us, that the concentration of airborne asbestos in the tunnels was extremely toxic - 30 to 40 times the legal limit. We need to make sure that people know the truth." To read the ADAO Tunnel Worker Support letter. please go HERE.
April 28th 2007 - International Workers Memorial Day - Mourn
the Dead. Fight for the Living.
The simple truth is - asbestos kills workers and their families.
On April 28, 1989 the first Workers Memorial Day was observed, on the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Now trade unionists around the world acknowledge April 28 as an International Day of Mourning. Last year, we honored 56,000 workers killed and millions more injured on the job. Government statistics estimate Latinos experience a disproportionate number of work-related fatalities. For each life lost, a shattered family is left behind. Insidiously, asbestos unknowingly worn home on clothing turned a child's hug and simple task of laundry deadly. For information on Workers' Memorial Day activities worldwide, resources, links, background, news, and images, please visit the Hazards magazine website. IBAS has an excellent article from May 2005 - that is worth the read and can be viewed, HERE Reports and studies state:
The ADAO International Workers Memorial Day press release can be read HERE.
Earth Day - Turning anger to Action!
By: Julie Gundlach
In August 2006 I was shocked to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. It didn't make any sense. I'm a healthy 35 year old woman and mother, and never worked around asbestos. How little I knew then. As I learned more about mesothelioma and asbestos, I got scared -- then I got angry. How can this toxic substance still be used? Why isn't it banned? I was determined to do something about it. People need to know the dangers. With two weeks to prepare, some friends and I decided to set
up a booth at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival, to alert people to the
prevalence and dangers of asbestos, and WHAT THEY CAN DO. In a few
short hours, we were able to inspire many people to take action. We
collected over a hundred letters to Senator Kit Bond on the committee
reviewing Senator Patty Murray's Ban Asbestos Bill and gathered nearly
200 signatures for the ADAO Asbestos ban petition. We passed out ADAO
wristbands as well as ADAO
informational brochure's with early warning symptom's and high risk
occupations. It was easy and inspiring to educate the public about the
risk's and dangers of asbestos. We have just gotten started and I can't
wait for the next opportunity to turn my anger to action.
Relay for Life - Turning grief to Action! By: Lee Giannini NOTE: ADAO Volunteer Educational Resources for events, doctors, etc. are available, HERE. Just print and circulate and keep asbestos awareness growing! Julie and Lee can answer your questions by emailing, info@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org.
By: Andrew Robbins
A committed group of volunteers gathered at Philadelphia's Drexel University School of Public Health, March 30-April 1, 2007. They were there for three purposes. First, to launch our country's first proclaimed National Asbestos Awareness Week (April 1-7, 2007). Second, to attend the third Annual Asbestos Disease Awareness Conference. Third, they were there for your health. The cosponsors for this event were Drexel University School of Public Health and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. Jordan Zevon, ADAO's National Spokesperson, welcomed attendees Friday evening by singing songs from his CD. Saturday, renowned experts in environmental science, medicine, and end-of-life care humbly shared their knowledge. The conference ended Sunday with a solemn memorial service remembering those needlessly lost to asbestos.
The conference was intense, educational, and hopeful. But,
did we need such an event in a country where we banned asbestos in
1989? Yes, because the judicial process overturned the 'asbestos ban'
in 1991! It is pure illusion that we are safe from this monstrous
mineral. It permeates our daily lives.
Most individuals asked to describe today's typical mesothelioma patient would say he is a former tradesman now in his 70s or 80s. Reality check! Today's average mesothelioma patient is a 51-year old female with non-specific or brought- home exposure. If the increasing number of legal advertisements about mesothelioma haven't scared the wits out of you, if they haven't made you ask, "Am I at risk?" - that fact should.
The youngest mesothelioma patient treated by a physician
attending the conference was a boy of nine. His infant's crib sat under
a vent containing asbestos. Accounts of adolescent sons and daughters,
whose graduation or marriage won't include Dad or Mom, could fill
volumes. Several of those activist children were present. They are the
"next generation" in the fight. Their eyes reflect both the wisdom and
knowledge that comes from watching death and an unwavering
determination to drive home the message of asbestos' impact.
Who hasn't seen the movies "White Christmas" or "The Wizard of Oz"? The "snow" falling in both movies was actually asbestos. Acting aside, who would associate being a baker, a jeweler, an interior decorator, or a teacher with exposure risk for asbestos illness? Did you ever color with crayons as a child, or play with modeling clay? Have you ever walked over sidewalk grating and felt air blowing up from sub-surface tunnels? Occupations that pose asbestos risk today include both blue-collar trades and white-collar professions.
In the US an estimated 80% of mesothelioma cases are
underreported. When mesothelioma actually makes it to the death
certificate it is only statistically counted if it appears on the first
or second lines of "cause of death". According to the World Health
Organization, "Asbestos is the most important occupational carcinogen
causing 54% of all deaths from occupational cancer."
Medical practitioners need to consider non-cancer diseases arising from asbestos exposure. Millions of commercial and residential structures contain Libby asbestos ore. Every physician taking a patient history should have the Libby Vermiculite Map (Places That Handled Asbestos Shipments) in the examining room. The patient's health history is only complete when viewed in terms of this map and everywhere he/she has lived.
When asbestos diseases are probable, order a complete
pulmonary function test and no less than "64-slice" computed tomography
(CT) scan. With a diagnosis of obstructive airway disease, the map is
also useful in determining cause.
In dealing with asbestos diseases, we cannot overlook their human side. Thus, speakers addressed social action, social policy, and emotional support issues. Oncology social workers can provide a wealth of information. Speakers stressed the importance of establishing a sense of rhythm and structure in your daily life. End-of-life issues of dependency, pain, and fear of abandonment are common among asbestos victims. Victims diagnosed with life-ending illnesses share a trauma component. They need to know it is okay to feel anger, cry, and question why they were cheated." They may feel isolated but they are not alone. Millions of people share their sense of loss and violation, including the man who simply said, "I didn't go to work to die." If the patient desires an autopsy at death, address this issue with family members and medical facility staff in advance. Autopsies require preparation and planning.
Although mesothelioma is normally fatal, there are reasons
for hope. February 2007 a blood test called "MESOMARK" came to market.
It will enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor
treatment of patients. Scientific hope abounds that this blood test may
be a useful diagnostic tool in the future.
For lung cancer, early diagnosis counts. If caught as a Stage 1 (contained) cancer, resection (surgical removal) provides a 10-year survival window 90% of the time.
One of the goals of ADAO, a grassroots effort, is to support
research aimed at early detection, prevention, and a cure. Each
volunteer carries, either on their bodies or in their hearts, scars of
valiantly fighting this invisible foe. Asbestos exposures can occur at
home, school, place of employment, and place of recreational activity.
If we hope to break the asbestos cycle of pain, heartbreak, suffering,
and loss that has plagued the world for hundreds of years, we must
dedicate ourselves to supporting the ADAO mission.
ADAO is a registered nonprofit organization staffed by dedicated, unpaid volunteers from every state. They support ADAO because it is the right thing to do. They firmly believe in the motto, "If not me, who? If not now, when?" They work unselfishly to protect you and your family. For your charitable contributions, ADAO deserves thoughtful consideration.
Reserve time in your life to fight for your life. Plan to be
in Detroit, Michigan at the fourth Annual Asbestos Awareness
Conference-Spring 2008. Medical personnel, community planners, safety
personnel, and environmental monitors will benefit by attending.
Transboundary pollution is a valid health concern; thus, our global
neighbors are encouraged to participate.
Mark your calendar now! Andrew Robbins is the author of "It Took My Breath Away: One Man's Experience May Save Your Life."
ADAO is committed to honoring the courageous victims who have lost their fight against asbestos related diseases. Margy, our ADAO Nevada Representative lost her father to mesothelioma. In honoring his memory, she has provided a name/photo tribute website for all victims. If you would like Margy to add a photo of your loved one, please email her directly at: Margy- NV@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org Tributes, may be viewed, Here.
Music and ADAO - Jordan does it all!
By: Jodi Zevon
Set your recorder. On May 7th Jordan will be a guest on David Letterman's The Late Show. He promises that if he gets any couch time, he'll mention ADAO. As our National Spokesperson, Jordan Zevon, is having a busy year indeed. In addition to performing at our recent AAD Conference in Philadelphia and other asbestos related charity events across the country, he was able to obtain the web address http://adao.us, to help people easily find their way to our site. As Jordan said, "Linda and I have been discussing some exciting ideas to get out the word about ADAO and the asbestos dangers facing each and every one of us. It feels like now is the time to really put the pedal to the metal. We can't turn back the clock, but we can damn well not waste another day." It's finally coming! Jordan's debut record, Inside's Out, is scheduled for release this summer on New West Records with his live debut at the Mint in Los Angeles on May 1st. Keeping the music of his father, Warren Zevon, in our hearts Jordan is not only producing and promoting a collection of previously unreleased recordings compiled in a two-disc set titled Preludes: Rare and Unreleased on New West Records but he is also promoting three reissues; The Envoy, Stand in the Fire, and Excitable Boy on Rhino Records. This promotion entails interviews with a myriad of radio and print affiliates across the country. And somehow Jordan even finds time to write, rehearse and perform his own music. Note from Linda: We all thank and appreciate Jordan's continued commitment and unending support in raising asbestos disease awareness! As Alan said, "Jordan is a champ".
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phone: 310-437-3886
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