Global Asbestos and Mesothelioma Calendar
Updated on April 9, 2025
As we turn the pages of our calendar, each month brings us a unique opportunity to unite, reflect, and take action in the fight against asbestos exposure and its dire consequences. Our organization is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting victims, and advocating for change, and we invite you to join us in our monthly anniversary actions. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve planned for the year and how you can participate in this vital journey.
January: Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month
We kicked off the year by observing IAFF’s Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. This month highlighted the heightened risks firefighters face, including asbestos exposure.
February: National Cancer Prevention Month
In February, we took our message to the heart of New York City with a significant awareness campaign in Times Square.
March: Honoring Legislative Heroes
March is a time to pay homage to the legislative heroes and families who have tirelessly advocated for stringent asbestos ban laws. Learn more about their stories and how you can support ongoing legislative efforts.
April: Global Asbestos Awareness Week
From April 1-7, we host Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW), spotlighting the power of international partnerships and awareness. Participate in our events and help spread global awareness about the dangers of asbestos.
May: Fighting for Worker Safety
May is dedicated to honoring the fight for worker safety amidst asbestos challenges. Stand with us as we advocate for safer working conditions and workers’ rights worldwide.
June: Celebrating ADAO’s Leadership
This month, we applaud the ADAO’s Leadership committees for their critical contributions to educational outreach and policy advocacy. Discover how these efforts are making a difference and how you can contribute.
July: Reflecting on Past Accomplishments
In July, we will reflect on the significant challenges faced, notably the EPA’s 1989 reversal of the asbestos ban. Engage with us in learning from the past and pushing for a future free from asbestos.
August: Art, Advocacy, and Action
Art and artists play a vital role in elevating asbestos awareness. This month, we showcase their contributions and explore how creativity can be a powerful tool in our advocacy efforts.
September: Mesothelioma Awareness Month
Observing Mesothelioma Awareness Month, we accentuate the importance of prevention, advanced treatment options, and the journey for a cure. Join our events and help support those affected by mesothelioma.
October: Addressing Environmental Justice
Our focus shifts to the pressing issues of environmental justice. Learn about the disproportionate impact of asbestos exposure in marginalized communities and how we can work together for justice.
November: Lung Cancer Awareness Month
In November, we recommit to advocating for clean air during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Support our initiatives aimed at reducing lung cancer rates and promoting healthier environments.
December: A Strategic Look at 2025 — Awareness, Action, and the Power of Giving
December is a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made in 2024 and to build momentum for a transformative 2025. We invite you to support ADAO’s mission by donating to help drive meaningful change through advocacy, education, and community support.
March 2025: International Women’s Day
March 9-12, 2025: Environmental Information Association National Conference
April 2025: World Health Day
April 1-7, 2025: 21st Annual Global Asbestos Awareness Week
Day ONE – April 1st: Asbestos: One Word. One Week. One World
- Remembering Alan Reinstein (USA) — Read his story “I’ll Do Anything to Fight Mesothelioma to Have More Time with My Family, Anything”
- Press Release: ADAO Announces 21st Annual “Global Asbestos Awareness Week,” April 1–7, 2025 || ADAO Leads Global Efforts to Raise Awareness, Prevent Exposure, and Protect Public Health from Asbestos-Related Diseases
- Leadership Quote from Danny Whu, MD, MPH, International Association of Fire Fighter:
- Partner for Prevention: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
- GAAW Action Step: Share an asbestos fact on social media.
- Platinum Sponsor: Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP
- Featured 30-Second PSA Video: “Asbestos: The Killer You Can’t See”
Day TWO – April 2nd: World Health Organization Asbestos-Related Disease Fact Sheet
- Featuring Julie (USA) – “The Power of Public Health Advocacy: A Patient’s Perspective”
- Leadership Quote from Richard Lemen, Ph.D., MSPH, United States Assistant Surgeon General (retired) and ADAO Science Advisory Board Chairman.
- World Health Organization’s (WHO) Asbestos-Related Disease Fact Sheet.
- Partner for Prevention: International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH)
- GAAW Action Step: Invite your family, friends, and colleagues to join Global Asbestos Awareness Week (April 1–7)
- Platinum Sponsor: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP
- Press Release in Hindi: ADAO ने 1–7 अप्रैल, 2025 के दौरान 21वाँ वार्षिक “ग्लोबल एस्बेस्टस अवेयरनेस वीक” आयोजित करने की घोषणा की
- Featured 30-Second PSA Video in Hindi: 30 second PSA: “एस्बेस्टोस: द किलर आप देख नहीं सकते”
Day THREE – April 3rd: Asbestos: Art, Advocacy, and Action
- Remembering Warren Zevon (USA) — Read his story “My Hero, the World’s Hero”
- Leadership Quote from Arthur Frank, MD, PhD ADAO Science Advisory Board
- Partner for Prevention: Collegium Ramazzini
- GAAW Action Step: Order your copy of Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever. This powerful book features more than 200 personal stories from around the world and highlights the human cost of asbestos.
- Gold Sponsor: Motley Rice LLC
- Press Release in Spanish: ADAO anuncia la 21.ª edición anual de la “Semana mundial de concientización sobre el asbesto”, del 1 al 7 de Abril de 2025
- Featured 30-Second PSA Video in Spanish: PSA 30 Second Video: “Asbesto: El asesino que no puedes ver”
Day FOUR – April 4th: Asbestos: Partnering for Prevention and Justice
- Remembering Mike Mattmuller, (USA) — Read his story “Staying Positive”
- Leadership Quote from Raja Flores, MD, Chair of Thoracic Surgery Mt. Sinai, & ADAO Science Advisory Board.
- Partner for Prevention: American Public Health Organization (APHA)
- GAAW Action Step: Send your support letter to Congress for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act
- Gold Sponsor: The Gori Law Firm
- Press Release in Russian: ADAO объявляет о проведении 21-й ежегодной «Всемирной неделе осведомлённости об асбесте» с 1 по 7 апреля 2025 года
- Featured 30-Second PSA Video in Russian: “Асбест: убийца, которого вы не видите”
Day FIVE – April 5th: Global Action to Ban Asbestos in the USA and Around the World
- Simon Pickvance (United Kingdom) -” The man who exposed how work can kill”
- Leadership Quote from Rory O’Neill, Hazards Magazine, UK
- Partner for Prevention: Hazards Magazine
- GAAW Action Step: Sign the “Ban Asbestos in the U.S. Now, Without Loopholes or Exemptions” petition
- Platinum Sponsor: Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP
- Press Release in Arabic: منظمة التوعية بأمراض الأسبستوس (ADAO) تعلن عن “الأسبوع العالمي للتوعية بالأسبستوس” السنوي الحادي والعشرين، من 1 إلى 7 أبريل 2025
- Featured 30-Second PSA Video in Arabic: COMING SOON
Day SIX – April 6th: Advancing Asbestos Prevention Through Digital Education and “kNØw Asbestos” Website
- Featuring Sara (France) — Read her story: “Someone Pulled the Emergency Brake!”
- Leadership Quote from Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, IOSH
- Organizing Partners for Prevention: Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)
- GAAW Action Step: Check out the new ADAO ChatBot: The Source – 20 Years of Asbestos Knowledge
- Platinum Sponsor: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP
- Press Release in French: L’ADAO annonce la 21ᵉ édition de la « Semaine mondiale de sensibilisation à l’amiante » du 1ᵉʳ au 7 Avril 2025
- Featured 30-Second PSA Video in French: “L’amiante: le tueur que vous ne voyez pas”
Day SEVEN – April 7th: Candle Light Vigil to Honor and Remember Asbestos Victims Worldwide
- Remembering Mavis Nye, (UK) – Extraordinary Friend and Mesothelioma Warrior
- Leadership Quote from Prof Kevin Bampton, British Occupational Hygiene Society
- Partner for Prevention: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
- GAAW Action Step: Light a candle in honor and memory of asbestos victims
- Sponsors:
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Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP (Platinum)
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Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP (Platinum)
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The Gori Law Firm (Gold) & Motley Rice LLC (Gold)
- Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (Silver)
- Press Release in Ukrainian: ADAO оголошує 21-й щорічний “Всесвітній тиждень поінформованості про небезпеку азбесту”, який триватиме з 1 по 7 квітня 2025 року
- Featured 30-Second PSA Video in Ukrainian: Азбест: Вбивця, якого ви не бачите
April 1-7, 2025: American Public Health Association National Public Health Week
April 26 & 27, 2025: Unite for Sight: Global Health and Innovation Conference
April 28, 2025: International Workers Memorial Day
May 4, 2025: International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD)
May 5-12, 2025: National Nurses Week
May 11-17, 2025: National Women’s Health Week
May 20, 2025: International Clinical Trials Day
May 19-21, 2025: American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition
June 1, 2025: National Cancer Survivors Day
June 5, 2025: UN World Environment Day
June 9-15, 2025: National Men’s Health Week
July 4, 2025: Action Mesothelioma Day
August 1, 2025: World Lung Cancer Day
September 7 – 10, 2025: IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer, San Diego, CA
September 1, 2025: Mesothelioma Awareness Month
September 21, 2025: 16th Annual Alton Miles for Meso VIRTUAL 5K Race & 3K Fun Run/Walk
September 26, 2025: Mesothelioma Awareness Day
September 26, 2025: Mesothelioma Awareness Month
September 26, 2025: Candle Lighting in Honor of Mesothelioma Warriors
September 30, 2025: Rare Cancer Day
October 1, 2025: Health Literacy Month
- October 9th — Part One: Prevent Asbestos Exposure
- October 16th — Part Two: Recognize High-Risk Occupations
- October 23rd — Part Three: Understand the Warning Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Diseases
- October 30th — Part Four: Finding a Center of Excellence for Treatment
October 2025: ADAO’s Four-Part Health Literacy Month Series
October 26 – 29, 2025: 17th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group, “Fostering Global Collaboration”
November 2025: Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November 2025: Family Caregiver Month
November 12-15, 2025: American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Exposition Meeting
November 17- 19, 2025: National Asbestos Awareness Week, Australia
December 2, 2025: Giving Tuesday
December 1 – 31, 2025: ADAO End-of-Year Donation Drive
December 3, 2026: Giving Tuesday
February 2025: National Cancer Prevention Month
February 4, 2026: World Cancer Day
February 28, 2026: Rare Disease Day (NORD)