Posted on March 24, 2023
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was thrilled to join Alexander Naum, host of the Administrative Law Review’s Podcast, A Hard Look. On the episode, “The Forgotten Toxin, the Fight to Finally Ban Asbestos”, ADAO president and co-founder Linda Reinstein spoke to Alex about the history of asbestos’s commercial use in the U.S. and the dangers of asbestos exposure. There is no safe level of exposure, and even the smallest amount can cause deadly illnesses including mesothelioma and cancer of the lung, larynx, and ovaries.
Alex and Linda dug into the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failed attempt to ban asbestos back in 1989, the gaps found within current asbestos regulation, and the ongoing battle to get legislation passed.
On the podcast, the two explained that asbestos has been used for centuries in the construction and manufacturing of goods, such as insulation and vehicle brakes, and it is now a well-known health hazard due to its carcinogenic qualities. They examined the legal hurdles that have been encountered when seeking a complete ban on asbestos, both at the national and international level.
As Alex stated in the episode, “ Ensuring the health of our communities should be the number one priority for us all; but sadly for some, it’s been pushed aside for monetary based interests.”
Linda explained that despite ADAO’s three successful ADAO v. EPA cases, there is still only piecemeal regulation. The bottom line discussed: The only way to fully protect Americans from the dangers of asbestos is to ban the carcinogen altogether.
As Linda stated in the episode, “This is not a Republican or a Democrat issue … It should be an issue that all agencies fall under and work on together, because if we can’t enforce the laws that we have on the books, then they’re worthless. And if we have to improve them, then let Congress go back to the table and let’s get this done!”
The episode highlighted the importance of public advocacy and awareness in the efforts to ban asbestos, as well as the need for justice and compensation for those affected by asbestos-related diseases. We were also able to share the stories of some of our mesothelioma warriors and community members, who bravely speak up while fighting these deadly, yet entirely preventable illnesses.
ADAO was honored to be able to share our expertise with Alex, who asked wonderful questions and gave us the time to really dig into an unexplored and often overlooked topic. Thank you to Alex and the entire team of the Administration Law Review’s A Hard Look.
The only way forward is banning asbestos. ADAO invites you to listen and share the episode on social media, and send your ban asbestos letter to Congress — to ban asbestos once and for all.