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This October reminded us that the danger of asbestos is not in the past. It is a threat here and now. As the news spread that the East Wing of the White House had been torn down, ADAO and our allies grew concerned by the lack of transparency surrounding the construction. The demolition of a building of that age and significance demands the highest possible standards of care, including following asbestos regulations.
The White House has not said if asbestos was found in the East Wing, and one official said that "any hazardous material abatement was done in September," prior to the demolition earlier this month. However, we still have major concerns. In a statement published by ABC News and The Washington Post, ADAO said, “Federal law requires comprehensive asbestos inspection, notification, and abatement before any demolition. No publicly available information demonstrates that these statutory obligations have been fulfilled.” ADAO calls on the White House to be transparent about the demolition.
October was busy in other ways, too. We were honored to join global experts in advancing early detection, stronger patient care, and prevention-first public health at this year’s iMig 2025 Conference in Philadelphia. Our “Join Me in L.A.” Warren Zevon Tribute Concert highlighted Warren Zevon’s music and legacy. The extraordinary evening also united artists, advocates, and families in support of ADAO and the Ed Asner Family Center. Special thanks to Jordan Zevon, Paul Rock, and the Wild Honey Foundation.
But get ready! On November 8 the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Warren Zevon, among other inductees will stream live on Disney+ and ABC.
Our global collaborations are more important now than ever before. In October, we prepared for Lisbon’s SOS Amianto and World Pulmonary Association meetings, strengthening the global network to eliminate asbestos-caused disease.
The final two months of this year are also jam-packed. Some events we’re looking forward to in November include:
We have spent 20 years fighting for a world free from asbestos-caused diseases. It has been difficult watching the current administration turn back time on some of the achievements we made. But that does not mean we do not have hope. We will continue to publish updated fact sheets and digital tools for schools, workers, and communities to ensure that there are no barriers to access when it comes to life-saving information. We will prioritize advancing bipartisan support for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, because protecting Americans is a cause both sides of the aisle can get behind.
We hope you will join us in taking action. This November, we ask you to raise your voice:
- Share a verified asbestos fact this month.
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Share your story; it saves lives.
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Support ADAO’s education and policy work.
Preventable asbestos-caused illnesses kill nearly 40,000 Americans each year. That’s 40,000 people who should still be celebrating the holidays, taking vacations with their families, and living the American dream.
A special thank you to our generous 2025 Conference Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors: Dean Omar Branham Shirley LLP, and Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP
Gold Sponsors: The Gori Law Firm and Motley Rice LLC
Silver Sponsor: Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
Join us on December 2, 2025: Support the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization for Prevention & Cure This Giving Tuesday.
Awareness saves lives. Prevention is the cure.
Linda Reinstein
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