It’s a Wrap: ADAO’s 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference in NYC was a Tremendous Success!
Posted on September 22, 2025
As simple as black and white — asbestos prevention remains the cure.
On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined our 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, including our attendees, speakers, honorees, presenters, volunteers, sponsors, and steadfast supporters. This year’s conference, themed “Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention & Justice”, marked a historic milestone: two decades of ADAO’s relentless leadership in fostering awareness about asbestos, driving advocacy initiatives, and nurturing a united community.
We were honored to mark this significant milestone at our 20th International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference in New York City. During the conference, we unveiled the 10th poster in BADGES: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers by award-winning photographer Earl Dotter. This new work, “Science. Prevention. Justice.“, honors Dr. Irving Selikoff and his enduring legacy.
Our conference featured a significant remembrance of September 11th, honoring those lost to asbestos-related diseases from that tragic day, followed by our annual awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions to asbestos awareness and prevention. We were honored to present awards to remarkable individuals and organizations whose dedication exemplifies the spirit of our mission:
John Feal served as our Friday Keynote Speaker and received the Alan Reinstein Award for his tireless advocacy for 9/11 first responders. Danny Goldberg was honored with the Warren Zevon Keep Me in Your Heart Award. The Honorable Gale Brewer, NYC Council Member for the 6th District, delivered our Saturday Keynote Address.
The Dr. Irving Selikoff Awards were presented to Dr. Claudia Henschke, Dr. David Yankelevitz, and Dr. Brad Black in recognition of their groundbreaking contributions to asbestos-related disease research and treatment. Greg Russell received the Tribute of Hope Award, while the Uniformed Firefighters Association and Uniformed Fire Officers Association were both honored with Tribute of Unity Awards. The United Federation of Teachers received the Tribute of Inspiration Award.
We also remembered Karen Grant, who was posthumously honored with The Alan Reinstein Award. During the conference, we shared her important video presentation where she courageously told her story, leaving a lasting impact on all who witnessed her dedication to our cause before her passing.
Saturday’s academic program delivered five comprehensive sessions that traced the journey from Dr. Irving Selikoff’s pioneering work to today’s cutting-edge advances.
The sessions covered critical ground: “From Then to Now – Selikoff’s Vision and Our Journey Forward“ explored the historical timeline from 1964 to 2025, examining policy, science, and advocacy progress. “Diagnosing and Treating Asbestos-Related Diseases“ showcased encouraging new treatment options, including clinical trial innovations from Mount Sinai and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, offering hope to patients and families affected by asbestos-related diseases.
“Prevention Is the Cure – Strategies for Exposure Reduction“ addressed contemporary challenges from 9/11 firefighter screening to wildfire toxicity in Lahaina and Los Angeles, while exploring digital tools and strategies for reducing asbestos exposure, including innovative approaches presented by Chris Carberg and Linda Reinstein. “Dr. Irving Selikoff, Paul Brodeur, and Beyond“ examined the suppression of science and the fight for transparency, including Paul Brodeur’s groundbreaking 1970 New Yorker exposé. Finally, “Asbestos and the Law“ delved into litigation’s role in advancing justice and protecting public health, featuring discussions on corporate accountability and landmark cases.
We were honored to feature keynote addresses from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and 9/11 advocate John Feal, whose powerful messages resonated throughout the conference. Nearly 40 distinguished speakers worldwide shared their expertise, making this one of our most robust programs to date. The comprehensive 158-page conference program, accessible online, reflects the depth and breadth of knowledge shared during these sessions.
The conference will be made accessible globally at no cost, underscoring ADAO’s belief that access to life-saving public health information should always be free and available to all. This commitment to unrestricted access to education continues to be a milestone step in promoting health equity worldwide, and we are thrilled to have facilitated global participation in this manner.
We anticipate having the session videos edited and uploaded to our YouTube channel in mid-November, so that if you could not join us at the conference, you can still view and learn from these important sessions.
We gratefully received letters of support for our conference and for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act that can be found in this year’s program. Special thanks to Senator Jeff Merkley, Representative Suzanne Bonamici, Representative Don Bacon, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the Collegium Ramazzini, and Olin Corporation for sending in letters. The continued backing from legislators, organizations, and advocates demonstrates the growing momentum behind comprehensive asbestos reform and the critical importance of achieving a complete ban on asbestos.
This year, we had the privilege of bringing together nearly 40 speakers—medical professionals, academics, occupational experts, asbestos victims, advocates, and ADAO allies from four countries. These distinguished individuals played a critical role in amplifying awareness about asbestos, sharing recent academic and legislative updates, distributing educational and preventative resources, and advocating for a ban on asbestos. The discussions around promising new treatments offered particular hope and encouragement to our community.
We are immensely proud and grateful for the collective efforts of our experts and community members who transformed this conference into a remarkable event. Your contributions, narratives, and dedication to creating an asbestos-free world are a constant source of inspiration. The camaraderie, energy, and empathy displayed were palpable, making the conference a reservoir of invaluable knowledge. This initiative fosters community building and contributes significantly to saving lives.
ADAO is grateful to our 2025 Donors and Sponsors, especially our Platinum Sponsors: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP and Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLP; Gold Sponsors: The Gori Law Firm and Motley Rice LLC; and Silver Sponsor: Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen. Your generous support made this educational, advocacy, and community outreach initiative possible. Your partnership enables us to continue this vital work, provide free global access to life-saving information, and reach audiences around the globe. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our mission of creating an asbestos-free world.
As we reflect on another successful conference, we are energized by the progress being made in research, treatment, and advocacy. The path toward an asbestos-free world continues, and with your continued support and the dedication of our growing community, we remain optimistic about the future.
With gratitude,
Linda Reinstein