|
Dear Friends,
As we enter August we begin with exciting news! Not only has the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act been officially reintroduced in Congress, but Senator John Curtis (R-UT) has joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) as a cosponsor of the bill. Senator Curtis’s momentous decision makes him the first Senate Republican to cosponsor a comprehensive U.S. asbestos ban. The standalone bill would prohibit the import and use of all six recognized asbestos fibers, as well as Libby Amphibole asbestos, going further than EPA’s 2024 chrysotile-only rule. As federal legislation, it is stronger than an EPA regulation and will not be at risk of the whims of future administrations.
ADAO sincerely thanks ARBAN’s early supporters:
- American Public Health Association (APHA)
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
- Center for Environmental Health (CEH)
- Collegium Ramazzini
- Environmental Information Association (EIA)
- Environmental Working Group (EWG)
- Federal Fire Fighters Joint Council, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
We hope to see you soon at our 21st Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, taking place this year on September 25–26 in the greater Washington, D.C. area. This year’s theme, “Asbestos: Awareness, Prevention, and the Law,” highlights our shared commitment to advancing research, strengthening prevention, protecting public health, and pursuing justice.
At this pivotal moment for asbestos policy and public health, it is more important than ever for our community to stand tall with a united voice.
The conference will bring together more than 30 leading experts in medicine, science, public health, law, government, labor, and advocacy. Over two days, they will share the latest information about asbestos-related diseases, exposure prevention, treatment, policy, and justice for affected communities.
Conference Highlights:
Friday, September 25
Under the Stars, an evening of music, community, and connection featuring ADAO National Spokesperson Jordan Zevon, who has been fighting for a safer future alongside ADAO for years. We are grateful for all he has done for us, and we are also always amazed by his musical talents. He, and other musical guests Jordan Summers and Matt Cartsonis, will share their music while also celebrating progress, honoring advocates and strengthening connections.
Saturday, September 26
A full-day academic conference featuring four dynamic sessions and keynote presentations, followed by the ADAO Awards and Recognition Dinner and Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony.
To help you get to know the experts, advocates, honorees, and community leaders shaping this year’s program, ADAO is proud to announce the launch of our seven-week “Meet the Speakers & Honorees” blog series. Each week, we will highlight a conference session and introduce the remarkable individuals whose work continues to advance prevention, treatment, public policy, advocacy, and justice.
Before we get to the conference, we also have an important anniversary to highlight this month. Please join us on Tuesday, August 18, at 1:00 p.m. ET for a free live Zoom conversation celebrating Julie G.’s 20th Mesothelioma Warrior Anniversary. Julie will share her journey from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, and survivorship, along with the personal and family lessons she has learned during two decades of living beyond mesothelioma.
Get ready to lace up before the conference for the 18th Annual Alton Miles for Meso on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Whether you run or walk, participants can join us in Alton, Illinois, or virtually from anywhere. Benefiting ADAO and presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP, this event unites and uplifts our Mesothelioma Warrior community. Join the ADAO Ban Asbestos Team, led by Penny Jo Major, and help turn every mile into meaningful action.
A special thank you to our generous 2026 Conference Sponsors:
As we celebrate more than two decades of advocacy, education, and community building, I am reminded that together, we are stronger. Whether you attend the conference, participate in Miles for Meso, join Julie’s Zoom conversation, or share our educational resources, your involvement strengthens our mission to prevent exposure and eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.
Thank you for standing with us.
With gratitude and determination,
Linda Reinstein, President and Co-Founder, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
| 
