Posted on August 26, 2021

For ADAO, September is Mesothelioma Awareness Month — a month to raise awareness, remember our loved ones, and take action to prevent asbestos exposure to eliminate mesothelioma and all other asbestos-caused diseases. During the month, ADAO will be sharing asbestos & mesothelioma facts, resources, and community events.  

As the Covid-19 crisis continues to grip our nation, Americans everywhere are taking precautions against getting sick. But there is still a risk that they unknowingly face every day: Asbestos exposure. The average person likely thinks that asbestos is a problem of the past, but the truth is, asbestos remains legal and lethal in the U.S. today. There is no safe level of exposure, and Americans risk exposure in their homes, schools, and workplaces. Additionally, the fiber can be found in consumer products such as cosmetics and children’s toys, as well as in automotive products and construction materials. 

This puts all of us, our family members and our future generations at risk of preventable asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, cancer of the lung, larynx, and ovaries as well as other non-malignant diseases such as asbestosis and pleural plaques. Mesothelioma alone steals the lives of 3,000 people each year, and nearly 40,000 Americans die in a year from asbestos-caused illnesses. This is a problem worldwide: internationally, about 125 million workers are exposed to asbestos while on the job. Though it is banned by nearly 70 other countries, the United States remains the only western industrialized nation to still use this fiber in commerce.

Every year, ADAO makes sure that Mesothelioma Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness, but also about ACTION

Last year, we were hopeful that the U. S. House of Representatives would move the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019 (ARBAN) forward to the House floor for a vote. This would have been a critical step in moving the bill out of the House and into the Senate for consideration. We were disappointed that though ARBAN was scheduled on the suspension calendar for September 29, it was removed due to a technical correction. However, we hope that this Mesothelioma Awareness Day will see more progress for the bill, which is the most comprehensive asbestos-ban Congress has seen in over 30 years, and would ban asbestos once and for all with no exemptions and no loopholes. With the support of nearly 70 cosponsors and over 30 organizations, our collective voices are stronger than ever before. 

For the fifth year in a row, an American flag will be flown atop the U.S. Capitol building in honor and remembrance of asbestos victims for Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Asbestos not only claims the lives of those who are sick, but causes immense suffering for their loved ones. ADAO is grateful to United States Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and his staff for making this happen, and tirelessly working to support asbestos victims and their families. 

 

The Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP (SHC) annual Miles for Meso fundraiser will be held on September 25th. We look forward to both highlighting our amazing Platinum Sponsor and bringing awareness to asbestos-caused diseases. This is the 13th year that Simmons Hanly Conroy is graciously putting on this incredible community-building event. 

We are so excited that our 16th Annual International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference is this month on Sept. 17-18! Our conference brings together hundreds of experts around the world to share knowledge, spread awareness, and build community. This year, we are so excited to announce, for the first time, ADAO will host the “Art, Advocacy, and Shared Stories” film festival on Friday during our conference. Register here for the fully virtual event! Thank you so much to our sponsors for their generous support. 

We are grateful that the hit band FF5 — featuring Jordan Summers, Morty Coyle, J.J. Blair, Dan Rothchild, and David Goodstein — will be dedicating their Sept 7 FB gig to ADAO. Musician Jordan Summers teamed up with Jordan Zevon in 1996 to create Trademark Entertainment. Together, they have performed at ADAO conferences and events for years and have spoken out about the dangers of asbestos.  

Mesothelioma Awareness Month is never just about those we have lost — it is also a time to recognize the family and friends who are affected by the disease. ADAO understands the pain and suffering you have gone through/go through when someone you know gets sick from an asbestos-caused illness. If you would like to start a memorial page for your loved one and/or dedicate a special occasion, sporting activity, or corporate event to help fund educational, advocacy and community initiatives for preventing asbestos exposure, you can visit our personalized fundraising platform

Mesothelioma is a hard word to say and an even harder disease to understand. You can learn more about mesothelioma through our Mesothelioma Awareness Month: Thirty Irrefutable Asbestos Facts for Thirty Days blog. Though the journey towards ridding our country of asbestos is long, we have come prepared. We’re most inspired by our community’s support and truly believe that together change is possible. 

Together, we are making change happen.

Linda Reinstein
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