Posted on March 9, 2026

Asbestos kills approximately 40,000 Americans every year, yet it is still not fully banned in the United States. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure, which makes prevention paramount. Preventing asbestos exposure requires action through the courts, Congress, and public education.

Right now, in courtrooms, on Capitol Hill, and in communities across the country, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is advancing asbestos prevention, public health protections, and policy solutions to end asbestos exposure. Here is where we stand this March.

Key Facts About Asbestos in the United States

  • Asbestos causes approximately 40,000 deaths in the United States each year.
  • There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
  • Nearly 70 countries have banned asbestos, but the United States has not enacted a full ban.
  • Legacy asbestos in older buildings, infrastructure, and products remains a major source of exposure.
  • The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) works to prevent exposure through science, education, and policy reform.

In the Courts

Oral arguments are scheduled before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in early June in the case challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s chrysotile asbestos rule. Industry groups are attempting to overturn the EPA’s rule restricting chrysotile asbestos, the only form still commercially used in the United States. If the challenge succeeds, years of regulatory progress could be weakened, and pathways to exposure could remain open. ADAO is closely monitoring the case and will continue to advocate for strong, science-based protections.

On a second legal track, ADAO issued a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue the EPA after the agency failed to meet its statutory deadline to propose a risk management rule addressing legacy asbestos—the type of asbestos that already exists in older buildings, pipes, and products across the country. Legacy exposure remains responsible for the majority of mesothelioma diagnoses. When agencies tasked with safeguarding public health fail to fulfill their legal responsibilities, accountability becomes essential.

ADAO is also continuing its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit regarding the demolition of the White House East Wing, seeking records about whether proper asbestos safeguards were followed. Transparency about asbestos management in federal buildings is critical for public trust and public health.

On Capitol Hill

Policy change remains the most effective path toward eliminating asbestos exposure and securing a full asbestos ban in the United States.

Senator Jeff Merkley has confirmed that he will champion the 21st Senate Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution, recognizing April 1–7 as National Asbestos Awareness Week. Each year, this resolution reinforces the scientific consensus that asbestos is a known carcinogen and that preventing exposure must remain a national priority. The resolution also helps amplify the life-saving resources and information shared by ADAO and our allies during the week.

At the same time, ADAO continues to advance the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act, legislation that would ban all six asbestos fiber types, as well as winchite and richterite. The bill is named in honor of Alan Reinstein and the more than 100,000 Americans who have died from asbestos-caused diseases.

While more than sixty countries have enacted full asbestos bans, the United States remains one of the only developed nations without comprehensive legislation. The ARBAN Act would change that. Our resource page and legislative timeline track the progress of this effort and provide ways for advocates to take action.

In Our Community: Global Education and Asbestos Prevention

Public awareness and community engagement remain central to prevention.

Global Asbestos Awareness Week (April 1–7) is our most important global education effort each year. Throughout the week, ADAO will share stories, scientific resources, and prevention tools with partners worldwide. We invite advocates and organizations to participate by sharing information online using #2026GAAW.

On April 7, the community will gather for the Mesothelioma Warrior Candle Lighting, honoring patients, survivors, and families affected by asbestos-related diseases. This moment of remembrance reflects why prevention matters and why the work continues.

Looking ahead, ADAO will host its 21st Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference in Washington, D.C., on September 25–26, 2026. The conference brings together patients, scientists, physicians, attorneys, and advocates to advance education, research, and policy solutions.

Prevention Is the Cure

Without the support of our community, none of this would be possible. Every action helps move us closer to the day when asbestos exposure—and the diseases it causes—are finally prevented.

Ending asbestos exposure requires science, law, and public engagement working together.

ADAO will continue working across the courts, Congress, and communities until asbestos is history.

Onward. Together.

Linda Reinstein