WASHINGTON, DC … March 8, 2010 –The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the leading organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN – 09) and cosponsors for introducing a resolution that supports establishing the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week” and seeks to “raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.”
Additional cosponsors and key supporters include: Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ -07), Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA -23), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI -04) and Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH -13).
“We are grateful to the U.S. House of Representatives to have the opportunity to help raise the level of public awareness about the prolific dangers of asbestos and further unite doctors, scientists, and public health advocates during National Asbestos Awareness Week for this important effort. During the past six years, ADAO has seen the progress and indeed, this confirms what Americans deserve and want, we know asbestos prevention and education will save lives and dollars,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
“The U.S. is one of only two countries that have not imposed a ban on asbestos manufacturing and many people who have been exposed to asbestos are not aware of the potential effects of that exposure. It is imperative that those who have been exposed are armed with knowledge,” said Congressman Cohen. “Mesothelioma is one disease caused by asbestos exposure, a disease to which I lost my dear friend Warren Zevon, a great singer-songwriter who still had much to contribute but whose life was cut short by this terrible disease.”
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and exposure can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Studies estimate that during the next decade, 100,000 workers around the world will die of an asbestos related disease – equaling 30 deaths per day.
ADAO will hold its Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.
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About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Doug Larkin Director of Communications 202-391-1546 doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org