On March 23, 2023, the Asbestos Disease and Awareness Organization (ADAO) — the largest independent nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure — will host its first-ever Virtual Day of Asbestos Awareness and #BanAsbestos Action across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.
Scheduled two weeks ahead of Global Asbestos Awareness Week, which is celebrated from April 1 to April 7, this inaugural event aims to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure, dispel misconceptions about its usage in commercial products, and generate support for legislation to ban the toxic substance. Most notably, it aims to compel Congress to reintroduce the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act.
“We are thrilled to join together with other advocates around the world through our first-ever Virtual Day of Action,” shares Linda Reinstein, president, chief executive officer, and co-founder of ADAO, whose late husband, Alan Reinstein, died of mesothelioma in 2003. “Our goal has always been to protect individuals, families, and communities from the dangers of asbestos — and we believe events like this will ultimately lead to that goal.”
Throughout the event, participants are encouraged to share personal stories about how asbestos has affected their lives, while ADAO will promote the latest news coverage on asbestos regulation and legislation.
ADAO leadership, asbestos warriors, medical experts, seasoned attorneys, and global public health advocates will unite to provide information on the dangers of asbestos exposure and best practices for prevention.
Take Action and Send a Letter to Congress in Less than 60 Seconds Asking them to Ban Asbestos.
Send a Letter to Congress to Ban Asbestos
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Many people mistakenly believe that asbestos is no longer an issue in the United States, and that perhaps it has been banned altogether. However, thousands of Americans continue to suffer from asbestos-related diseases every year — including mesothelioma, a rare and fatal form of cancer caused only through asbestos exposure.
Long hailed as a low-cost, fireproof, soundproof, and lightweight product with long-term durability, asbestos has been used for decades in automotive parts, construction materials, talcum and baby powder, and tiles.
Manufacturers of asbestos-laced products also provided their dangerous materials to the U.S. military, putting millions of veterans and their families at risk of developing mesothelioma.
March 2023 Chrysotile Asbestos Prohibition Proposal
On March 17, 2023, the United States government’s Federal Register released a proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban one type of asbestos fibers for specific uses. The proposal’s next steps include seeking related data-driven comments from the public by April 17, 2023.
“While this new proposal will help raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos, a full ban is needed in order to truly protect people from asbestos-related diseases,” says Reinstein. “ADAO will continue to partner with other advocates, organizations, policymakers, and the public to call for a full asbestos ban in the United States.
Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN) is the leading inspiration behind the Virtual Day of Asbestos Awareness and #BanAsbestos Action. Participants are urged to contact their Members of Congress to support this legislation. The event will also promote a petition on the nonprofit website Change.org to call for a ban on asbestos in the United States.
Despite the serious health risks posed by asbestos exposure, the toxic substance continues to be imported and used in a variety of capacities across the country. As a result, more than 40,000 Americans die each year from preventable asbestos-related illnesses. With bipartisan support, ARBAN is the most comprehensive ban-asbestos bill introduced in Congress during the past 30 years.
ADAO has continually partnered with government agencies and private stakeholders to end the importation and use of asbestos. The organization believes that passing ARBAN is the only way to fully protect public health. This special day will serve as a launchpad to raise awareness and support legislation banning asbestos, ensuring that elected officials are aware of the issues and urged to take action.
How to Participate in the Virtual Day of Asbestos Awareness
Here are several impactful ways to join the digital conversation around the dangers of asbestos on March 23:
- Like, share, and comment on ADAO’s social media messages
- Include the #BanAsbestos hashtag on your social media posts to connect with ADAO and other participants
- Share your stories with ADAO and honor asbestos victims
- Sign and share the Change.org petition to ban asbestos in the U.S.
- Write a letter urging your Member of Congress to support ARBAN
Take Action and Send a Letter to Congress in Less than 60 Seconds Asking them to Ban Asbestos.
Send a Letter to Congress to Ban Asbestos
The online conversation on March 23 will mark the beginning of a new approach toward the request to ban asbestos, as the campaign seeks to unite people in prioritizing the health and safety of communities and protecting loved ones from deadly asbestos exposure.
Through this international partnership, change can be made to end the importation and subsequent usage of asbestos.
Simmons Hanly Conroy: Platinum Sponsor of ADAO
Simmons Hanly Conroy — one of the nation’s leading mesothelioma law firms with offices across multiple states and the official legal partner of Mesothelioma Hope — is a platinum sponsor of ADAO.
Since 2009, the law firm has continually generated funding for ADAO each September through Miles for Meso, a 5K race and 3K fun run/walk hosted each year on or around Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26. Over the years, the charity event has garnered nearly $900,000 in donations.
With a staff that includes medical professionals with advanced knowledge of mesothelioma, Simmons Hanly Conroy supports clients in each of their mesothelioma cases with the resources they need to improve their health and their lives.
