Posted on September 1, 2020

Every American should know that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, yet it remains legal and lethal in the U.S. today. Americans are exposed to asbestos during everyday life in their homes, schools, and workplaces. Additionally, the fiber can be found in consumer and automotive products, cosmetics, 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. Each year, about 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace. 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 and nearly 40,000 Americans pay the price every year for this global toxic trade with their lives, which includes the nearly 3,000 Americans killed annually by Mesothelioma 

For ADAO, Mesothelioma Awareness Month is not just about awareness, but also ACTION.

Last year, on September 26, 2019, which is Mesothelioma Awareness Day, the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change of the U. S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, moved the bicameral Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2019 (ARBAN) forward to the full committee for markup. This was another critical step forward for ARBAN in the House and moves us significantly closer to enactment of a comprehensive ban. We hope this Mesothelioma Awareness Day will see more progress for the bill, which 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. 

This year, for the fourth 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. 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 run will be fully virtual this year because of Covid-19. However, we look forward to continuing to honor Mesothelioma Warriors by wearing their names while participating.  

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. Last year, we launched a new  personalized fundraising platform. It gives all our supporters the opportunity to start a memorial page for their loved ones and/or dedicate a special occasion,