For Immediate Release: March 31, 2016
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Launches “Global Asbestos Awareness Week” April 1-7, 2016
International Community Calls for a World-Wide Asbestos Ban
Washington DC, USA — March 31, 2016 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, today announced Global Asbestos Awareness Week April 1-7, 2016.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure. Since the 19th century, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry. Without a ban, asbestos remains legal and lethal in the USA and in nearly 70% of the world today.
Dedicated to awareness and prevention, during Global Asbestos Awareness Week, each day features educational resources from leading organizations, guest blogs, videos, and asbestos victims’ stories.
Building on strength and collaboration, this year’s Global Asbestos Awareness Week will focus on:
- Banning the mining, manufacturing, and use of asbestos
- Preventing asbestos exposure
- Increasing compliance and enforcement of existing laws and regulations
“It is exciting to see the global embrace and collaboration for Global Asbestos Awareness Week,” stated ADAO Co-founder and President Linda Reinstein. “Since the awareness campaign began over a decade ago, ADAO, along with our partners, have dedicated over 60 days specifically to asbestos awareness. Each day, an estimated 300 people die from asbestos-caused diseases. It is unconscionable that last year Russia, China, Brazil, and Kazakhstan continues to mine 2 million metric tons of asbestos to be used primarily in asbestos-cement products. While promising research continues, prevention remains the only cure. Millions of tons of asbestos remain in homes, schools, and workplaces. ADAO joins the global community in calling for a ban in the United States and around the world. Enough is enough.”
The week culminates on April 7th with an online candlelit vigil and the publication of the 2016 Global Ban Asbestos Declaration.
Since its founding in 2004, ADAO has worked with the U.S. Senate to unanimously pass twelve Asbestos Awareness Week Resolutions and secured four U.S. Surgeon General asbestos warnings in an effort to prevent exposure to eliminate deadly asbestos-caused diseases.
Exposure to asbestos, a human carcinogen, can cause mesothelioma, lung, gastrointestinal, colorectal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers; as well as non-malignant lung and pleural disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 107,000 workers around the world will die every year of an asbestos-related disease, equaling 300 deaths per day.
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About the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO is the largest non-profit in the U.S. dedicated to providing asbestos victims and concerned citizens with a united voice through our education, advocacy, and community initiatives. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, advocate for an asbestos ban, and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact:
Kim Cecchini
Media Relations
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-5205
Kim@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
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About the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO is the largest non-profit in the U.S. dedicated to providing asbestos victims and concerned citizens with a united voice through our education, advocacy, and community initiatives. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, advocate for an asbestos ban, and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact:
Kim Cecchini
Media Relations
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
(202) 391-5205
Kim@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org