Posted on May 13, 2026

Why Nearly 150,000 Petition Supporters Still Demand: “Ban Asbestos in the U.S. Now — Without Loopholes or Exemptions”

When we launched the “Ban Asbestos in the U.S. Now — Without Loopholes or Exemptions” petition on Change.org, I wrote from a place that every ADAO supporter understands. The night my husband Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma, our daughter Emily was ten years old. His disease was incurable. It was also entirely preventable.

That truth remains the foundation of this petition. Nearly 150,000 supporters have added their names to demand a comprehensive U.S. asbestos ban without loopholes, exemptions, or delays.

Almost a decade later, the petition is still active because the fight is not over. Every signature represents a constituent, a voter, a family member, and a voice calling for accountability. “Without loopholes or exemptions” is more than a slogan — it is a public health standard now being tested in federal courts, Congress, and government buildings where asbestos protections may have failed.

What Petition Signers Demanded — and Why It Matters Today

Petition supporters called for a complete asbestos ban:

  • No exemptions for chrysotile asbestos
  • No loopholes for legacy asbestos
  • No industry carve-outs or delays

That demand directly connects to major asbestos policy and legal battles unfolding right now.

Fifth Circuit Challenge to EPA’s Chrysotile Asbestos Rule

On June 1, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit will hear oral arguments on EPA’s 2024 Part I chrysotile asbestos rule. ADAO is defending the rule against industry efforts to weaken asbestos protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The petition’s “no loopholes” message reflects the public mandate behind that fight.

EPA Missed the Part II Legacy Asbestos Deadline

ADAO filed legal action after EPA failed to meet its statutory deadline to evaluate legacy asbestos and Libby Amphibole exposure risks.

Legacy asbestos remains one of the largest gaps in U.S. asbestos regulation. Petition signers demanded action on all asbestos exposure risks — not partial protections.

White House East Wing Demolition and Asbestos Transparency

ADAO also filed FOIA litigation seeking records tied to the White House East Wing demolition and asbestos safety protocols.

Federal agencies must follow asbestos safeguards and public transparency laws. Accountability applies at every level of government.

The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN)

The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN) remains the clearest legislative path to a comprehensive asbestos ban in the United States.

Led by Senator Jeff Merkley, Representative Suzanne Bonamici, and Representative Don Bacon, ARBAN would ban all forms of asbestos and close long-standing regulatory loopholes.

Every petition signature strengthens the call for congressional action.

Why the Petition Still Matters

This petition is not symbolic. Its purpose remains unresolved.

Asbestos exposure continues to cause approximately 40,000 deaths each year in the United States from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and other preventable diseases. Nearly 70 countries have banned asbestos. The United States has not.

Until the U.S. enacts a full asbestos ban — without loopholes or exemptions — this petition remains urgent.

If you signed years ago, your voice still matters. If you have not signed, now is the time.

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 The fight for an asbestos-free future continues. Together, we move prevention and policy forward.

~ Linda Reinstein 

 

2026 Sponsors: ADAO is grateful to our sponsors and supporters, especially our Platinum Sponsors: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP and Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLP, Gold Sponsors: The Gori Law Firm and Motley Rice LLC, and Silver Sponsor Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, does not make legal referrals.