FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2025

ADAO’S 20TH ANNUAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS & PREVENTION CONFERENCE RETURNS TO NYC WITH GLOBAL EXPERTS, ADVOCATES, AND LAWMAKERS

Two Days of Science, Solidarity, and Strategic Action on Prevention, Policy, and the Law

New York, NY – The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest independent nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community, will host its 20th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, themed “Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention & Justice”, on September 12–13, 2025, in New York City.

Held during Mesothelioma Awareness Month, this milestone event will gather over 30 global experts in medicine, public health, law, and advocacy. The conference will provide a unique opportunity to learn about progress in prevention, evolving policies, civil and administrative law, and the personal stories driving change. Artists, survivors, physicians, and scientists will explore how asbestos continues to pose a danger to communities worldwide.

The weekend begins with a Candlelight Vigil at the World Trade Center Memorial on Friday to honor those we’ve lost to asbestos-related diseases, followed by an awards and recognition dinner celebrating champions who have helped lead the movement forward. On Saturday, the full-day academic conference will feature four sessions spotlighting prevention, policy, research, and legal accountability.

Earl Dotter, renowned social documentary photographer, will unveil his 10th BADGES poster honoring Dr. Irving Selikoff, titled “Science. Prevention. Justice.” This new work continues Dotter’s decade-long collaboration with ADAO, highlighting the legacy and sacrifices of asbestos-exposed workers.

WHAT:

  • ADAO’s 20th Anniversary International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference: Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention & Justice

WHEN:

Friday, September 12, 2025

  • 4:30 PM ET Candlelight Vigil at the World Trade Center Memorial
  • 6:00 PM ET Awards and Recognition Dinner at the United Federation of Teachers, 52 Broadway

Saturday, September 13, 2025

  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET Academic Conference at Mount Sinai Hospital, Stern Auditorium

WHERE:

  • World Trade Center Memorial 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007 
  • United Federation of Teachers, 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, Stern Auditorium, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY

WHY:

  • To educate, advocate, and activate change to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate asbestos-caused diseases. The conference builds community, drives policy progress, and honors the stories that inspire a safer future for all.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Session I: Selikoff’s Vision and Our Journey Forward
  • Session II: Understanding Asbestos Disease – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Disparities
  • Session III: Prevention Is the Cure – Strategies for Exposure Reduction
  • Session IV: Dr. Irving Selikoff, Paul Brodeur, and Beyond 
  • Session V: Asbestos and the Law

WHO:

Confirmed speakers and honorees include:

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: FRIDAY: John Feal. SATURDAY: The Honorable Gale A. Brewer, NYC Council Member for the 6th District
  • HONOREES: Claudia Henschke, PhD., MD, David Yankelevitz, MD, Brad Black, MD, Greg Russell, Uniformed Firefighters Association & Uniformed Fire Officers Association, United Federation of Teachers, Karen Grant, John Feal, Danny Goldberg.
  • SPEAKERS: Prasad Adusumilli, MD, FACS; Harminder Bains; Michael Barasch; Brad Black, MD; Perry Browder; Chris Carberg; Barry Castleman, ScD; Kim Cechinni; Ellen Costa; Jessica Dean; John Feal; Raja Flores, MD; Arthur Frank, MD, PhD; Karen Grant; Jorge Gomez, MD; Claudia Henschke, MD; Anne Kearse; Brent Kynoch; Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc, FAAP; Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH; Barry Levy, MD, MPH; Carmen Lima; Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH; Jacqueline M. Moline, MD, MSc; Paolo Monico; Christine Oliver, MD, MPH, MS; David Prezant, MD; Emily Reinstein; Linda Reinstein, BCPA; Tony Rich; Greg Russell; Sara Salger; Bob Sussman, JD; Andrea Wolf, MD, MPH; David Yankelevitz, MD; Jordan Zevon.
  • Earl Dotter, unveiling his 10th BADGES memorial poster.

SPONSORS:

REGISTER:

Conference Registration and Full Agenda