From Dialogue to Action: Olin and ADAO, Stakeholder Engagement to Advance Asbestos Prevention
Posted on April 16, 2026 
Last week, I traveled to Houston, Texas, at the invitation of Olin Corporation to visit one of its chlor-alkali facilities. For more than three years, ADAO has built a professional relationship with the Olin team, grounded in transparency and a shared understanding that preventing asbestos exposure and protecting public health must remain top priorities.
Since 2023, we’ve had meetings on Capitol Hill, and they’ve participated in ADAO staff briefings. We’ve also had open and ongoing conversations about evolving asbestos policy and public health. While the Olin leadership has changed over time, our collaboration has remained steady and productive. Olin’s current CEO, Ken Lane, picked up where former CEO Scott Sutton left off. Their commitment to meaningful dialogue and partnership has continued thanks to his willingness to work toward solutions.
As a public health advocate, it is essential to understand the risks of asbestos, as well as the realities faced by companies undertaking industrial transitions away from asbestos. Showing up, especially when perspectives differ, is a part of responsible and effective advocacy. As a stakeholder, progress depends on being willing to sit at different tables, listen, ask questions, and engage in constructive dialogue. These conversations ultimately make ADAO a better and stronger advocate at every level.
Ken Lane, President and Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Engaging with public health advocates is essential as we continue our transition. Open dialogue helps ensure that progress is informed, responsible, and aligned with the shared goal of reducing risk.”
That perspective reflects what we have long believed. Meaningful change is possible when stakeholders remain at the table. Dialogue does not require agreement. It requires commitment.
Olin is the leading U.S. producer of industrial chlorine and caustic soda and has already begun transitioning away from asbestos-based technology. That distinction matters. The term “chlor-alkali industry” is used broadly, obscuring important differences among companies. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, just three companies currently operate the remaining asbestos diaphragm facilities in the United States. Between them, there are eight plants that use asbestos. These companies include Olin Corporation, Occidental Petroleum, and Westlake Corporation. 80 percent of the chlor-alkali industry does not use asbestos diaphragms. It is our hope that the number will soon rise to 100 percent.
Since 2023, Olin Corporation has supported the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, which includes a seven-year transition period. We are grateful that Olin has taken the initiative to begin transitioning away from asbestos, and we are encouraged by its ongoing engagement as we navigate complex legal, policy, and public health challenges.
Onward. Together.
Linda
