ADAO APPLAUDS THE U.S. SENATE FOR UNANIMOUSLY PASSING THE 20TH RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 1-7 AS “NATIONAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS WEEK”
Resolution Directs Acting U.S. Surgeon General to Warn All Americans About the Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Under the leadership of Senators Jeff Merkley (D-MT) and Steve Daines (R-MT), the bipartisan resolution calls on the Acting U.S. Surgeon General to issue an official warning about the dangers of asbestos exposure. This reaffirms the urgent need for public health education and preventive action, demonstrating the unity and collective effort in addressing this critical issue.
“The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) extends heartfelt gratitude to Senators Merkley and Daines for their continued leadership and dedication to raising asbestos awareness and advancing prevention by designating a week of asbestos prevention education,” said Linda Reinstein, co-founder and President of ADAO.
“During Asbestos Awareness Week, April 1-7, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to raising awareness and protecting the health and well-being of future generations. The stark reality is that 40,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-related diseases, yet most remain unaware of the deadly dangers posed by asbestos. Education saves lives.”
“Asbestos remains a hidden danger in our homes, schools, and workplaces. We must remain vigilant, demand accountability, and protect our communities from this lethal threat,” said Reinstein.
“All Americans deserve a future free of exposure to asbestos—a carcinogen that has killed far too many,” said Senator Merkley. “National Asbestos Awareness Week brings attention to this ongoing crisis and the need to end this dangerous public health threat once and for all.”
“Far too many Montanans have suffered because of toxic exposure to asbestos, especially in the towns of Libby and Troy. National Asbestos Awareness Week is an important way to call attention to the dangers of asbestos and protect the health and safety of our communities,” said Senator Daines.
In addition to Senators Merkley and Daines, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) have joined as co-sponsors of the resolution.
This year’s resolution is backed by a powerful coalition of domestic and international public health, environmental, and occupational safety organizations, including: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Public Health Association (APHA), British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), and others.
ADAO is especially proud to collaborate with the IAFF to advance asbestos prevention and policy and raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, especially those faced by first responders.
“Occupational cancer is the number one killer of fire fighters, and the IAFF is steadfastly committed to removing every known human carcinogen from the fireground,” said Danny Whu, M.D., MPH Chief Medical Officer, IAFF. The IAFF applauds and supports Senator Merkley, Senator Daines, and all organizations working to eliminate this killer from continuing to be imported, sold, and used in commerce.”
ADAO encourages all Americans to take part in National Asbestos Awareness Week to promote prevention, strengthen regulations, and drive momentum toward a comprehensive ban on asbestos in the United States and around the world. Your participation is crucial in our collective efforts to combat asbestos exposure.
ADAO is thankful to the nearly 30 Resolution and Global Asbestos Awareness Week Partners for Prevention, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Public Health Organization (APHA), ASBESTONOMY, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum UK, Associação Brasileira dos Expostos ao Amianto (ABREA), Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), Center for Environmental Health (CEH), Collegium Ramazzini, Environmental Information Association (EIA), Environmental Protection Network, Environmental Working Group (EWG), Hazards Magazine, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH), Less Cancer, London Asbestos Support Awareness Group (LASAG), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Occupational Knowledge International, OneGreenThing, OSH Africa, SOS Amianto, Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA, and WorkSafe New Zealand.
Read the full text of Senators Merkley and Daines’ bipartisan resolution.