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As we move into the final months of our monumental 20th anniversary year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the strides we’ve made together. In September, we celebrated not only the powerful connections we’ve built but also the impact we’ve had on asbestos prevention, awareness, and advocacy. Looking ahead, we will continue to fight for an asbestos-free future, stronger and more prepared than we were even just a month ago.
We did it! We wrapped up our 20th Anniversary ADAO Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference—a historic gathering that brought together experts, survivors, and advocates from across the globe. This month, we also stood united as public health advocates and labor unions called on Congress to finally ban asbestos.
Our Community continues to be at the heart of everything we do. I am honored to introduce our new book, Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever, which features more than 200 personal stories from individuals and families affected by asbestos. These stories are a testament to the courage and resilience of our community, and I encourage you to read and share them with your networks. We will post ordering details soon.
Our commitment to Advocacy has never been stronger. The launch of Every13Minutes.org is a sobering, data-driven companion to our Shared Stories book. This new platform shines a light on the ongoing asbestos crisis, illustrating the devastating human cost of inaction. Additionally, I am proud to announce that we’ve spearheaded a joint letter to Congress, urging them to take decisive action and ban asbestos once and for all. We will continue to advocate for stronger protections, and we hope this joint effort amplifies our collective voice.
BIG news: On Mesothelioma Awareness Day, September 26, the IAFF published “Renewed call for U.S. asbestos ban on Mesothelioma Awareness Day” and reiterated their position to urge Congress to ban asbestos once and for all. Tragically, asbestos-related illnesses—like mesothelioma—claim another American life every 13 minutes, including fire fighters and emergency medical workers. These deaths are entirely preventable. We remain steadfast in urging Congress to finally take action. Read more here.
Additionally, ADAO filed a brief asking the courts to require the EPA to strengthen its Chrysotile Rule, ensuring better protection for all Americans from asbestos exposure. This request highlights fatal gaps and omissions in the EPA Part 1 Final Asbestos Rule, which leave the public at risk. Read more here.
I am also honored to be presenting at the American University Washington College of Law for the ninth time, with a lecture titled “Drafting Legislation in Tumultuous Times: Insights on 20 Years of Asbestos Advocacy.” Understanding and using the law has been one of ADAO’s strongest tools in protecting public health and advancing our mission.
This past month also saw hundreds of dedicated supporters come together for the 2024 Alton Miles for Meso Race, raising over $27,000 for ADAO. This incredible event united racers and advocates, and drove forward our mission of preventing exposure and finding a cure. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important cause!
In other exciting news, ADAO and the Environmental Information Association (EIA) will join forces at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship on November 9th, to bring greater awareness to asbestos-related diseases and prevention efforts.
October is Health Literacy Month, and we are also proud to shine a light on 2024’s 20th Anniversary October Spotlight: Fighting for Asbestos Prevention and Environmental Justice. Asbestos exposure disproportionately affects marginalized communities, increasing the need for environmental justice. No one should suffer due to their zip code or lack of health literacy, and we are committed to ensuring education and advocacy reach those who need it most. You can dive into the first post of the series here.
As always, we thank you for your continued support. Together, we will keep pushing forward for a future free of asbestos-caused diseases.
In solidarity,
Linda Reinstein
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