Posted July 31, 2023
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) hosted its 18th Congressional Staff Briefing Luncheon on July 24 in Washington, DC. This significant event paid tribute to the memory of Mike Mattmuller, an extraordinary Mesothelioma Warrior who courageously battled the disease until April 2020. To learn more about Mike’s unwavering tenacity and devotion to his family, you can find additional information here.
Despite claiming nearly 40,000 American lives each year, asbestos import and usage still persist in the United States. Shockingly, asbestos can still be found in homes, schools, commercial buildings, workplaces, and consumer products, posing an ongoing threat to public health. The reality is that asbestos-related illnesses are entirely preventable, yet most Americans remain unaware of the dangers posed by this carcinogen or its continued use in our country.
Our expert panel for the briefing included Raja Flores, MD, from Mount Sinai Medical Center; Mike Meenan from Olin Corporation; Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH, from the American Public Health Association (APHA); Linda Reinstein and Bob Sussman, JD, from Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO); Greg Russell from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); and James Williams, Jr. from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc. (ACS CAN).
Two powerful quotes emerged from our briefing, resonating with the mission to end asbestos usage:
Scott Sutton, CEO of Olin Corporation:
“Olin is the chlor-alkali industry leader, and the actions that our industry takes are the linchpin to ending the use of asbestos in this country. Olin has a clear path to end the use of asbestos, and we encourage the other key asbestos chlor-alkali players to support Olin’s plan. As only about seven percent of the chlorine produced in this country is used for water and wastewater treatment, the asbestos exit path won’t impact supply to water uses nor even reduce the total supply of chlorine. It is time to come together and end the use of asbestos.”
Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“ACS CAN supports the passage of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2023 to protect individuals from exposure to asbestos, a known cancer-causing agent. Asbestos has been classified as causing cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – therefore, it is critical that we work with our lawmakers to pass this bill as soon as possible.”
During the briefing, our panel of experts discussed crucial topics, including:
- Health effects of asbestos exposure, asbestos-related diseases, and treatments
- Asbestos imports and use commercially and in consumer products
- Devastating impact of legacy asbestos in homes, schools, and buildings
- Chlor-Alkali Industry asbestos imports, use, and transition to non-asbestos technology
- EPA Part 1 Chrysotile Asbestos proposed rule only banning one of six fibers in six conditions of use
- Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2023, (S.1069 & H.R.2402), a comprehensive commercial asbestos ban for all six fibers in all uses
For more in-depth information, you can access our staff briefing materials online at https://bit.ly/3Q5oRDm.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight for asbestos prevention.
Linda Reinstein