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As we enter July, the urgency of our work has never been more apparent or pressing. We are at a pivotal moment in our shared mission to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.
The EPA has taken a troubling and dangerous turn. After finalizing its Part 1 limited rule under the previous administration, banning chrysotile asbestos in six conditions of use, the Agency filed a motion to reconsider its own ban. It’s a move that could delay protections by years and leave American families vulnerable. To help break down what’s happening and why it matters, I’ve released a short audio explainer that’s clear, concise, and easy to share. Listen now, and I hope that you will share within your circle. By the time you finish the clip, another American will have been silenced by asbestos. Together, we must raise our voices against this harmful delay.
The New York Times, Newsweek, and Inside EPA have all written about this move, and you can read what they have to say above. They were unanimously opposed to the EPA’s request for additional time.
We know what works: science-based regulation, strong laws that protect public health, and your personal stories to drive change. That’s why we’re pushing harder than ever for unambiguous federal legislation to close the door on asbestos once and for all. ADAO is laser-focused on policy solutions that prioritize public health over polluters, and we will remain so, even as these roadblocks appear before us.
One key way we continue to maintain momentum is through our annual gatherings. As we build toward the 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference this September in New York City, I invite you to be part of history. This milestone event will bring together researchers, survivors, physicians, artists, and advocates from across the globe for two unforgettable days of education, storytelling, science, and solidarity.
We’re especially honored to return to Mount Sinai for our conference, where Dr. Irving Selikoff pioneered the modern understanding of asbestos-related diseases and their connection to workplace and environmental harm. His legacy continues to inspire our work and reminds us that science, when paired with moral courage, can change the world.
From our Friday evening Candlelight Vigil and Community Dinner to Saturday’s academic sessions, we’ll honor the past, confront today’s challenges, and mobilize for a future free from asbestos-caused diseases. Whether you're a longtime advocate or joining us for the first time, your voice and presence matter.
Registration is now open — reserve your spot and stand with us today.
Finally, in June, I joined colleagues at the 4th Annual Asbestonomy Conference in Berlin. I was honored to present “More Than a Century of Asbestos: Why the U.S. Crisis Isn’t Over.” Standing alongside global experts and passionate advocates, I saw again how united voices can drive change. One message echoed across every panel: The human cost of inaction is too high to ignore.
Together, we are the movement. Together, we are the change.
With hope and determination,
Linda Reinstein, President & Co-Founder, ADAO
P.s. If you haven’t already done so, take a minute to join nearly 150,000 supporters and sign our petition: “Ban Asbestos in the US Now, Without Loopholes or Exemptions.” If you’ve already signed on, please share it with a friend and ask them to add their name too.
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