April 1-7 is National Asbestos Awareness Week
The
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
(ADAO), an independent nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community work, has praised the Senate for introducing the 15th Resolution establishing April 1 - 7 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.” Led by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), the resolution seeks to “raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.”
Linda Reinstein, president and co-founder of ADAO, issued the following statement:
“We are enormously thankful to Senator Tester and the 12 original cosponsors for introducing the bipartisan 15
th
National Asbestos Awareness Week. This non-controversial resolution proves that we can make progress when we work together to protect the American people, instead of simply advancing political agendas. Each year, up to 40,000 Americans die from preventable asbestos-caused diseases while imports and use continue. ADAO looks forward to the passage of this important annual awareness and prevention resolution and sharing the U.S. Surgeon General’s asbestos warning. Undoubtedly, this week will raise awareness and save lives.”
The
World Health Organization
states, “Exposure to asbestos, including chrysotile, causes cancer of the lung, larynx, and ovaries, and also mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal linings). Asbestos exposure is also responsible for other diseases such as asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs), and plaques, thickening and effusion in the pleura.”
