Posted on July 29, 2016
YouTube: ADAO Launches New PSA “EPA Must Ban Asbestos Now to Protect Public Health and Our Environment”
As you all well know, raising education and awareness around asbestos—a dangerously obscure topic for many Americans—is one of the major missions of ADAO. With the recent passing of The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, we have made an enormous step toward banning asbestos in the United States. We want to make sure everyone knows the progress we’ve made—and what comes next.
To that end, I’m so excited to share with you our newly released PSA video, which earned more than 1,000views in the first day. The clear, concise explainer offers an update on the legislative accomplishments toward asbestos regulation, as well as a resounding consensus on the dangers of this deadly substance.
President Obama signing the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) into law was one of the most monumental achievements of ADAO’s mission to date. Celebrating with our allies in the anti-asbestos movement was an inspiring testament to the power of organized advocacy—and also a reminder that at, this crucial turning point, our work must continue stronger than ever. TSCA empowers the EPA to ban and regulate chemicals that are “toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative,” but it’s up to us to hold them accountable to this responsibility. Our goal now is to ensure that the EPA lists asbestos on their top 10 list of chemicals to be reviewed, regulated and ultimately banned.
The video is undeniably powerful, featuring political and scientific leaders all decrying dangerous asbestos and discussing the necessary steps to safety. Viewers hear insight from President Obama, the first sitting president to recognize asbestos as a known carcinogen; Senator Barbara Boxer, who has championed ADAO’s mission for years; and former Acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak, as well as ADAO board members Dr. Richard A. Lemen, Dr. Christine Oliver, and Dr. Raja Flores.
The passage of TSCA lent serious momentum to our movement, and it’s time to capitalize on that and drive our message home to as many people as possible. As a team, let’s share this video, raise awareness and push hard toward our goal of the U.S. finally banning asbestos once and for all.
In unity and in victory,
Linda