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As election season comes to a close and we are closer to knowing what the next four years will look like, I want to focus on ADAO’s enduring commitment to public health—a mission that transcends political divides. Asbestos illness and disease does not care what political party its victims hail from. Which is why prevention enjoys strong bipartisan support, and gives Congress a unique opportunity to come together to protect American lives.
Our dedication to advancing legislation that safeguards all Americans—across income levels, races, and backgrounds—remains unwavering.
As we celebrate two decades of advocacy, this year we’ve reflected on the progress achieved with your steadfast support: championing asbestos bans in over 60 countries, building a powerful network of 200,000 advocates, working with government agencies to strengthen public health regulations, and championing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act. These milestones underscore the impact of our mission and remind us of the vital momentum we must carry forward until asbestos is banished once and for all.
On a personal note, I want to thank this community for their many good wishes I have received for my daughter Emily, who has been hospitalized after complications from a post-surgical infection. She’s exhausted from interrupted and uncomfortable sleep, but in true Emily fashion, she remains resilient. There's nothing specific to send or do at the moment, but your loving messages have been warmly received and are welcomed. She’s proudly wearing her voter bracelets—remember to VOTE!
WATCH IT: Highlights from the ADAO Conference
We are pleased to share the keynote video from our September conference, Exploring the Intersection of Asbestos Prevention, Policy, and the Law, featuring Pat Morrison of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). Pat has devoted his career to protecting over 350,000 IAFF firefighters in the U.S. and Canada, and we are incredibly grateful for his insights. The remaining conference videos will be available online by December 1, 2024.
JUST PUBLISHED: Every13Minutes.org & Shared Stories Book Launched
On Mesothelioma Awareness Day, we launched Every13Minutes.org, a powerful, data-driven website to shine a light on the relentless asbestos crisis in America. Every 13 minutes, an American life is claimed by an asbestos-related disease—an entirely preventable tragedy that continues as asbestos imports persist. In tandem with our new book, Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever, these resources paint a stark picture of the human and financial toll asbestos has taken on families across the country. Pairing these heartfelt stories with the undeniable statistics underscores the urgent need for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act to be enacted and bad all asbestos imports and use. We are grateful to our community for sharing more than 200 personal stories from those affected by asbestos that have made this 2nd edition possible.
LISTEN UP: ADAO in the Spotlight
All Things Chemical® recently produced a podcast segment about ADAO, highlighting our efforts in asbestos prevention, policy, and community engagement. Listen to the podcast.
READ IT:
Health Literacy Month: Asbestos Awareness Blog Series
We’ve launched a four-part Blog Series in October as part of Health Literacy Month to empower individuals with knowledge and understanding of high-risk occupations and protective actions they can take to prevent asbestos exposure.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re shining a light on asbestos-caused lung cancer, which claims the lives of over 30,000 Americans each year. Learn more about this critical issue in our latest blog.
Reflecting on Asbestos Awareness Week Resolutions
Our recent post on the history of Asbestos Awareness Week resolutions celebrates the progress made since the first resolution in 2005, which brought asbestos awareness to Congress and beyond. This journey serves as a powerful reminder of the global community standing with us in this fight. Explore the complete history of these resolutions here.
Legal Update: ADAO v. EPA Update
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently allowed the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) to submit an amicus brief in our case against the EPA where we are seeking to strengthen the EPA’s Part 1 asbestos rule. While this development complicates our fight, ADAO and its 17 co-petitioners stand firm in defending the science behind EPA’s chrysotile asbestos rule and calling for further protective measures. Read more about this critical case here.
SUPPORT ADAO: Giving Tuesday on December 3rd
We invite you to join us for Giving Tuesday on December 3rd. This global day of giving provides an opportunity to support ADAO’s mission. Your contributions power our work and allow us to continue educating the public, influencing policy, and advocating for a safer future. As a small grassroots organization, we rely on community support to sustain our work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on Giving Tuesday or donating to honor a loved one. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
The ADAO mourns the passing of Matt Peacock, a fearless journalist, advocate, and dear friend. His seminal book, Killer Company, exposed the tragic history of Australia’s largest asbestos manufacturer, James Hardie, and inspired the powerful Australian Broadcasting Corporation miniseries Devil’s Dust. Matt’s work remains an enduring legacy in the fight against asbestos and for justice.
As we prepare for 2025, your support is crucial to sustaining and building upon our progress. Together, we can ensure ADAO remains a powerful voice for asbestos victims, advancing public health and justice. Thank you for standing with us.
Warmly,
Linda Reinstein
President & CEO, ADAO
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