Posted on March 29, 2022

Each year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) dedicates April 1-7 to increasing awareness of asbestos and preventing exposure by bringing together experts and victims from around the world to share, learn, and take action.To view all 7 days of Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) content, please click here. Be sure to follow the conversation on social media with our GAAW hashtag: #2022GAAW.

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, and there is no safe level of exposure. While promising research continues, prevention remains the only cure. 

Day SEVEN: Remembering Paul, (USA) — Read his story “Dust into Gold: Banning Asbestos Is Good Business” 

Leadership Quote: In 1976 NIOSH recommended to OSHA that asbestos be banned in the workplace, but no such ban has ever been enacted and thousands continue to be exposed and die from asbestos-related diseases.” Dr. Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH, & ADAO Science Advisory Board Member

Call To Action: Sign the Petition to Ban Asbestos Now Without Any Loopholes or Exemptions

Asbestos Fact: Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. Each year, asbestos kills an estimated 40,000 Americans.

Today, on day seven of GAAW, we hold a candlelight vigil in honor and remembrance of the countless victims who have been silenced by asbestos worldwide. We remember Paul, and share his story, “Dust into Gold: Banning Asbestos Is Good Business.” Paul was a remarkable friend and brave Warrior, who, for more than a decade, valiantly used his voice to fight for an asbestos ban and civil justice. PBS NewsHour highlighted Paul’s powerful story in 2019 with their excellent segment: “The stunning truth about asbestos use in the U.S.” by Miles O’Brien.

As importation and use of all asbestos forms continue, more and more people are exposed to asbestos every day. Many people who have been exposed and contracted asbestos-related diseases spend their final years fighting for a ban, because once they learn of their fate, they want to make sure no one else suffers one similar. We must ban all six forms of asbestos, for once and for all. We reflect on the lives lost from asbestos.

Tonight, the ADAO community will gather for a virtual candlelight vigil, both to honor the warriors fighting asbestos diseases and remember those we have lost. We light these candles with heavy hearts, but also with hope for a brighter future without asbestos.

Time has taught us that it takes a village. We are grateful for the village that we have built. Each year, Global Asbestos Awareness Week shows us just how powerful we are together. Thank you to everyone for their participation in the 18th annual GAAW! We are deeply grateful for the support of our contributors and those who joined the GAAW conversation around the world. An asbestos ban is on the horizon. Until then, prevention is our best tool to protect our international community.

Today’s Partner for Prevention is Institution of Occupational Safety and Health

Together, we make change happen.

Linda Reinstein
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