Posted on December 26, 2024
ADAO’s 20-Year Impact Report: Advancing Education, Advocacy, and Community
In honor of our 20th anniversary, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has released a report highlighting two decades of action and advocacy. ADAO was founded in 2004 by Doug Larkin and Linda Reinstein, who transformed their grief into a mission to fight for a cleaner, healthier future. Although Doug tragically passed away from ALS in 2017, ADAO’s mission remains steadfast. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a powerful movement that has testified on Capitol Hill, hosted Congressional briefings, authored legislation, and amplified the voices of asbestos victims.
“ADAO has deservedly earned its reputation as a reliable worldwide source for learning about the hazards of asbestos.” Arthur Frank, MD, PhD.
Our report reflects on ADAO’s most significant accomplishments over the past 20 years, including:
- Publishing Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever and launching Every13Minutes.org have amplified the human cost of asbestos exposure in the United States, where a life is lost every 13 minutes due to this preventable hazard. Our new book is a powerful collection of over 200 personal accounts from individuals and families worldwide, showcasing their resilience and courage in the face of asbestos-related diseases. Together, these initiatives highlight the devastating toll of asbestos, which claims 40,000 lives annually, and reinforce our collective commitment to advocacy and action to eliminate these entirely preventable tragedies.
- “This book and the work of ADAO personalizes the plight of those suffering from asbestos disease so that their fight becomes our fight for a total and complete asbestos use ban here in the U.S.A.” Earl Dotter, award-winning photographer.
- Organizing 19 Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conferences: This one-of-a-kind event is dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-caused diseases. Featuring global public health, medical, and workplace experts, the conference is accessible to all thanks to community support and sponsorships, ensuring life-saving education is barrier-free.
- “ADAO has deservedly earned its reputation as a reliable worldwide source for learning about the hazards of asbestos.” Arthur Frank, MD, PhD
- Partnering with Artists for “Art, Advocacy, and Action”: Through collaborations with talented artists; including musician Jordan Zevon; filmmaker Judd Apatow; award-winning photographer Earl Dotter; and Barbara McQueen, widow of the late actor Steve McQueen, we’ve harnessed the power of art to spread awareness about asbestos-related diseases.
- Hosting Congressional 19 Staff Briefings: ADAO mobilizes leading science, health, and environmental experts to educate Congressional members and staff about the urgent need to ban asbestos in the United States. These briefings provide critical insights and a firsthand understanding of asbestos’s devastating impact on constituents.
- “ADAO’s strength lies in its ability to unify the mesothelioma community and others suffering from asbestos-induced diseases, reminding each that they are never alone in their fight.” Richard A. Lemen, Ph.D., MSPH
- Creating Comprehensive Educational Resources: Our kNOw Asbestos and main ADAO website serve as trusted hubs for asbestos-related news and information. From answering common questions like “Do I have asbestos in my home?” to hosting Global Asbestos Awareness Week, we empower individuals with accessible, expert information to stay safe.
- Advancing Regulation and Legislation: ADAO employs a dual-track strategy by working closely with the EPA to strengthen asbestos regulations while taking legal action when public health responsibilities are unmet. Over the past year, we’ve won three legal challenges, securing stronger regulations. Additionally, ADAO continues to champion the bipartisan Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, advocating for a comprehensive ban on all six asbestos fibers and Libby Amphibole.
- “Congress can do more with a pen, than I can with a scalpel.” Raja Flores, MD
Over the years, ADAO has become a trusted source for media covering asbestos and public health issues. By collaborating with investigative journalists and reporters, we’ve ensured that the threat of asbestos is accurately reported and widely understood.
Our 20th anniversary report also delves into ADAO’s origins and growth, acknowledges the donors and sponsors who have fueled our progress, and outlines our ongoing initiatives.
ADAO is proud of the work we’ve accomplished. While we hope for a future where our mission is no longer necessary, we remain committed to fighting for a safer, healthier, asbestos-free world.
Together, we can make change happen.
Team ADAO
