Posted on March 31, 2021
Since our founding in 2004, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has made it our priority to correct the dangerous misconceptions about asbestos and offer lifesaving awareness and education to the public. In 17 years of working toward this goal, ADAO has become the global leader in asbestos awareness, prevention, and policy, with hours of educational content now available online, as well as a powerful voice in Washington, DC.
Each year, ADAO designates April 1-7 as Global Asbestos Awareness Week in order to disseminate vital information about asbestos to protect public health. This year, the Senate passed the 16th Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution (S. Res. 145), which includes a statement urging “the Surgeon General of the United States to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health.”
Since 2005, we have received eight past Surgeon General Statements, including U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s in 2015, 2016, and now 2021. This year, he stated: “This week (April 1-7) is #NationalAsbestosAwarenessWeek. Even during the COVID19 Pandemic, other public health challenges remain priorities. Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that can be used in homes, buildings, or products. If you think you have been exposed to asbestos or want to learn more, talk with your health care provider.″
We are grateful to have received another statement, showing U.S. citizens and Congresspeople alike that asbestos puts the American people in grave danger of fatal diseases and must be banned. We are lucky to have Dr. Murthy as our Nation’s Doctor once again.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and kills over 40,000 Americans every year, yet imports and use continue. The time to ban asbestos is NOW.
Follow along with our educational content during our 17th Global Asbestos Awareness Week by keeping up with the blogs, or by following the hashtag #2021GAAW online.
Together, we make change possible.
Linda Reinstein