2019 Year-In-Review

2018 Year-In-Review

2017 Year-In-Review

2016 Year-In-Review

2015 Year-In-Review 

2014 Year-In-Review   

2013 Year-In-Review

2012 Year-In-Review

2011 Year-In-Review

2010 Year-In-Review

ADAO MissionThe Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to providing asbestos victims and concerned citizens with a united voice, exponentially expanded its reach and education, advocacy, and community impact in 2011. More than 20,000 strong, ADAO took its voice to the front lines to help influence policy and regulatory changes in North America and Asia to fuel the ban on asbestos and promote ongoing research. We strengthened our network of victims, physicians, rese

archers, public health practitioners, and labor union members even further by utilizing powerful social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. ADAO has also increased its credibility as a leader in its field, and was honored to receive the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award and establish ADAO’s presence on Wikipedia. Our 2011 growth has been significant and we excitedly look forward to even greater success in 2012.

Education Initiatives:

  • ADAO’s editorial will be featured in a December National Lung Cancer Awareness report.
  • ADAO publishes monthly newsletters with the most up-to-date events and information.
  • ADAO’s 7th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference brought together more than 125 world renowned patients, physicians, researchers, educators, and public health advocates for a three day conference in Atlanta to discuss updates on the prevention, detection, treatment, and global advocacy of asbestos-related disease.
  • ADAO is working towards its 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, “Asbestos: The Impact on Public Heath,” which will be held March 31–April 1, 2012 in Manhattan Beach, CA.  
  • ADAO’s website showcases content concerning ADAO’s foundational pillars of education, advocacy, and community; and houses extensive resources for visitors to explore.
  • ADAO Asbestos Video Library is continually updated with conference videos, news, and videotaped presentations to educate the public, raise awareness, and offer insight into past events.
  • ADAO representatives participated in numerous international conferences and events, including:
    • The keynote address at the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY)’s  Annual Environmental Conference in Verona, NY.
    • The keynote address at the Environmental Information Association (EIA)’s 2011 National Conference and Exposition.
    • The Casale International Conference in Italy as part of ADAO’s continued global collaboration.
    • The XIX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Turkey
    • The American Public Health Association (APHA)’s 139th Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C.
    • The Canadian Workers Health and Safety Centre’s annual gala. 
    • The Asian Ban Asbestos Network (A-BAN)’s conference in India.
    • A hands-on workshop on leveraging social media to improve workers’ safety and health at the Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims (ANROEV)’s Annual Conference in India. 

Advocacy Initiatives:

In order to push for an international ban of asbestos and cease the continued mining and exportation of this known carcinogen, ADAO:

  • Published the North American Declaration for the Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases petition in collaboration with the Canadian Voice of Asbestos Victims.  This petition calls for an end to the use of asbestos and will be submitted to U.S. President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Harper, and the United Nations for review. 
  • Supported the Senate’s passage of the Seventh Annual Resolution that established “National Asbestos Awareness Week” on April 1-7, 2011.
  • Coordinated a Walk to Remember Victims of Asbestos and a meeting with Sarnia’s mayor to strategize plans against the Canadian asbestos industry in collaboration with the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OCHOW) and community members in Sarnia, Canada. 
  • Partnered for prevention with various national and international organizations and institutes to speak out against the use of asbestos and protect public health.
  • Collaborated with USC Marshall School of Business students to create an “Asbestos Kills” video to encourage opposition to asbestos. 
  • Advised Senate leadership on S. 847 “Safe Chemicals Act of 2011”
  • Frequently published blogs to expose international instances of occupational safety and workers’ health violations and spark opposition to the continued mining, exportation, and use of asbestos. 

Community Initiatives:

In an effort to provide a community of support for those affected by asbestos, ADAO:

  • Coordinated Global Asbestos Awareness Week to raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure
  • Organized a live streaming on MediaSocial of the Breathtaking documentary, gathering over 200 people from 14 countries to share the experience virtually and interact in discussion.
  • Published frequent “Share Your Story” blogs through its website and social media platforms.  Shared by victims and their families, these stories honor those battles asbestos-related disease and inspire others faced with similar situations. 
  • Coordinated a Candlelight Vigil to Remember Victims of Asbestos in collaboration with the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OCHOW) and community members in Sarnia, Canada. 
  • Hosted a number of virtual candlelight vigils throughout the year.  Those affected by asbestos could honor loved ones who have lost or are currently fighting their courageous battle with asbestos-related disease through ADAO’s “Light a Candle” website.
  • Continued to expand its coalition networks. This year’s efforts included increased collaboration with the scientific, medical, environmental, and labor communities.
  • Offered an interactive medium for those seeking a space to share, vent, or obtain information through its Facebook Page and Group pages and Twitter presence.