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February 1, 2024
Times Square Billboard Shines Light on Asbestos Crisis: ADAO and IAFF Call on Congress to Act
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the International Association of Fire Fighters unite to broadcast an eye-opening message in Times Square to support the bipartisan Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act.
NEW YORK –– In a significant move to combat the ongoing asbestos health crisis in the United States, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Association (ADAO), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to ending the import and use of asbestos and advocating for victims of asbestos-caused diseases, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), today launched an education and advocacy campaign in Times Square in New York City.
The campaign’s focal point is a striking message set to run on the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square.
The billboard highlights three critical facts to raise public awareness:
- There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
- Asbestos-caused diseases claim 40,000 lives annually in the U.S. alone.
- Fire Fighters face additional risks in battling asbestos cancers alongside their fire fighting duties.
“As we mark two decades of relentless advocacy towards banning asbestos in the U.S., this campaign in Times Square serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action,” said Linda Reinstein, President of ADAO. “We stand united with fire fighters and IAFF in our fight to protect public health and ensure a future free from asbestos-related diseases.”
“Cancer is the single greatest threat to America’s fire fighters and the leading cause of death among our hometown heroes,” said Edward A. Kelly, General President of the IAFF. “Our fire fighters suffer from asbestos-caused cancers and diseases at more than twice the rate of the average American, and therefore, the IAFF is steadfastly supporting the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN),” he added.
This ambitious campaign marks a renewed call on Congress to implement a total ban on asbestos. Globally, more than 70 countries have already prohibited its use, yet the U.S. continues to import and use asbestos.
These visual messages, with dimensions of 120 feet by 84 feet, will educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, and inspire them to take action by contacting their Congress members to support the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act. The campaign also encourages public engagement by inviting individuals to photograph and post a picture of themselves with the Times Square billboard. It is estimated to drive 1.5 million views daily from February 1st to 14th for an estimated total reach of 21 million views, to educate the public about the ongoing dangers of asbestos.
This event kicks off ADAO’s 20th anniversary year and marks the start of National Cancer Prevention Month, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative action against asbestos.
In concert with the campaign, ADAO and IAFF are engaging in a series of meetings in New York with lawmakers, public health officials, and the public to drive momentum for this cause.
For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit asbestosdiseaseawareness.org and iaff.org.
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