US asbestos - putting the end to a deadly trade

ADAO Applauds U.S. House of Representatives for Introducing Landmark Bill to Ban

Asbestos in America and Protect Public Health

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Announcement

ADAO and The Committee to Ban Asbestos in America (CBAA)

Press Release

16th September 2008

WASHINGTON, DC. --- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest organization in the United States dedicated to serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials for introducing H.R. 6903, the "Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008" - a critical piece of legislation that once passed, will help to stop exposure to the lethal asbestos mineral.

The bill, introduced by Chairman Gene Green (D-TX), will amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing products and help fuel public education programs.

ADAO praises Chairman John D. Dingell (D-MI) and Chairman Gene Green (D-TX) and Cosponsors Reps. Betty McCollum (D-MN); Hilda Solis (D-CA), the Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee; Lois Capps (D-CA); Jan Schakowsky (D-IL); G.K. Butterfield (D-NC); Doris Matsui (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Steve Cohen (D-TN) for their leadership role in moving this important, bipartisan piece of legislation forward.

ADAO has worked with Congress for more than four years to advocate for the passage of such a bill and strongly encourages the House to quickly move it through to the President for his signature. The bill is also strongly supported by the Committee to Ban Asbestos in America (CBAA), recently formed by ADAO and The John McNamara Foundation, dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-caused diseases.

"As we remember the tragedy of 9-11, thousands still suffer from the irreversible damage caused from asbestos exposure. An asbestos ban prohibiting the importation, manufacturing, processing and distribution is absolutely necessary and long overdue," stated Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

"Other countries look to us to set global examples of responsibility and accountability. We must ban asbestos to eradicate the deadly diseases caused from asbestos exposure that plague so many families. As the largest volunteer organization in the United States, we are enormously pleased to support H.R. 6903 banning asbestos, a known human carcinogen, to protect public health."

"I also commend the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, not only for supporting this important legislation to ban asbestos in America once and for all, but also for all they do to help patients and families dealing with asbestos diseases, said Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA). I'm proud to work with them to move this legislation forward."

The occurrence of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, continues to increase. Studies estimate that during the next decade, 100,000 victims in the United States will die of an asbestos related disease - equaling 30 deaths per day.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, and raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers.

For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

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