Posted on May 1, 2025

20th ADAO Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference

Inspired by Renowned Asbestos Researcher, Dr. Irving Selikoff  — Past, Present, and Future

September 12–13, 2025 | New York City

The 2025 Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference (AAPC) marks a historic milestone as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) celebrates 20 years of evidence-based advocacy, scientific engagement, and global community building. This year’s conference is especially meaningful, as it builds on the foundation Dr. Irving Selikoff laid with his landmark 1964 conference in New York City—the first to expose the deadly dangers of asbestos to the world.

Returning to NYC, ADAO proudly honors that legacy while advancing today’s urgent prevention, policy, and treatment efforts. We envision the 20th AAPC as a living compendium of the best in asbestos science, public health, and legal reform—connecting our shared work’s past, present, and future to end asbestos-related diseases.

Hosted by the ADAO—the leader in evidence-based advocacy to prevent asbestos-caused diseases and shape responsible policy—we invite global experts, first responders, scientists, policymakers, and advocates to confront the legacy of asbestos, elevate actionable solutions, and drive forward the future of public health and justice.

Conference Highlights and Outcomes

Set in New York City—a place where the legacy of asbestos spans generations, from busy shipyards and aging public infrastructure to the ongoing health crisis following 9/11—the 20th AAPC will bring together World Trade Center medical experts, firefighters, researchers, survivors, and advocates. Together, we will explore historical and ongoing sources of exposure and examine emerging clinical and legal models to advance a national agenda for asbestos prevention, grounded in truth, science, and justice for all.

These outcomes will inform a reinvigorated call for federal action and legislative reform, reaffirming the need to eliminate asbestos use, close enforcement loopholes, and establish a coordinated national strategy to mitigate legacy exposure in schools, public buildings, and disaster zones. We must support the communities already affected while preventing future harm through bold, science-driven policies and transparent oversight.

Academic Conference Program Will Include:

  • Legacy Exposure and Public Health
    Informed by the 9/11 health crisis, this session will feature World Trade Center medical experts, first responders, and researchers exploring the long-term impacts of asbestos exposure and models for monitoring, care, and compensation, with a specific emphasis on our brave first responders. 
  • Breaking New Ground in Policy and Prevention
    ADAO will spotlight the alarming findings of recent wildfires in Los Angeles and the 2024 NYC Comptroller audit, which revealed that over 80% of public schools known to contain asbestos had not been inspected, despite federal legal requirements. 
  • Evidence-Based Legal and Clinical Models
    Presentations will showcase cutting-edge research and policy proposals, including innovative frameworks for diagnosing, treating, and holding accountable those responsible for asbestos-related diseases. 
  • Policy and Prevention in the 21st Century
    Sessions will explore a century of policy shifts, focusing on prevention setbacks and regulatory rollbacks under the current administration. Experts will share strategies to defend and strengthen protections through science, law, and public engagement. 

Conference Events

  • Candlelight Vigil at the World Trade Center Memorial

Before the conference officially begins, we will gather on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the World Trade Center Memorial for a candlelight vigil to honor asbestos victims, with special emphasis on our nation’s first responders. 

  • Awards Dinner & Honoree Tributes
    Following the vigil, join us for an evening of recognition and inspiration, including keynote remarks, honoree presentations, and special performances.

Our conference is made possible by the generosity of donors and sponsors. We are deeply grateful to 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.

Carrying forward a legacy of truth, science, and action to end asbestos-related diseases

Registration opens in June.