Posted on December 27, 2022

As ADAO enters a new year, we reflect on where we have been, but more importantly, we hone in on where we are going. 

Looking Back

In 2022, we garnered new support in Congress for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act and worked tirelessly with public health advocates, leading scientists, and workers’ rights organizations to keep the pressure on Congress to take action. We have taken the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to court and won repeatedly, ensuring that asbestos victims are not ignored as we hold the Agency accountable to their duty to protect American citizens.

This year we gained more traction in the media and mobilized collective digital storytelling for change. In particular, we are proud to have worked as a resource to the incredible investigative journalists at ProPublica to tell the real story of how the continued use of asbestos in the chlor-alkali industry harms workers, their families, and communities. This investigation has resulted in the publication of several in-depth reports, which renew the energy and urgency of this fight. 

Together, we made landmark strides toward an asbestos ban, provided a worldwide audience with educational resources and materials, led seminars, spoke to Congress, expanded our community, and so much more! We are proud to share our newly published 2022 Accomplishment Summary too.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the New Year, we remain committed to our mission and will continue to fight for the end of asbestos imports and use which will save countless lives from unnecessary suffering in the U.S. and around the world. Though we believe a comprehensive ban is the only way to truly safeguard American citizens from this known carcinogen, ADAO is about more than just a ban. With our multi-track strategy, ADAO focuses our efforts on a legislative solution, improved regulatory standards, while also ever-expanding our community outreach and education initiatives. 

On the frontline of global information exchange, ADAO regularly answers countless questions from individuals; questions like “Do I have asbestos in my home?” to “What’s mesothelioma?” and “How can I help?” Every week, ADAO writes two to three blogs to educate the public about asbestos-caused diseases, correct misconceptions about asbestos information, update the public with the latest asbestos news, and update our community about what we are working on.

We are also working hard to broaden our reach and deepen our impact by mobilizing our collective digital storytelling initiatives. Members of our ever-growing community are using their voice to share their stories and motivate Congressional members and community leaders to act. We look forward to honoring more victim stories and magnifying more health expert voices throughout the year in our social media campaigns and in countless events including Global Asbestos Awareness Week (April 1-7, 2023), our annual Congressional Staff Briefings, Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, ADAO’s Zoom Conversation events, and so much more!

Our work is ongoing, but the victories we have achieved this year make the end-goal closer than ever before. Onwards and upwards!

Linda Reinstein

Social Networks