Join Our Mailing List
Sign Up Today!
















President's Message
 
Although to many, asbestos may be a crisis of the past, here at ADAO we know this carcinogen continues to pose a great threat. Look at Illinois, where a construction company that was in OSHA violation was just fined $2 million for exposing workers to asbestos, yet asbestos imports continue.
 
VOLUNTEERS AT WORK
The ADAO community is continuing the fight for asbestos victims everywhere. Here's what three of our volunteer fighters are doing:
  • Marilyn Amento and ADAO joined experts and community members in Ambler, PA for the "Asbestos: Be Safe. Be Smart." awareness event.
  • Domani Tripam and her family led the charge with her "I Know a Superhero" Family Fun Festival.
  • Heather Von St. James is participating the "Miles for Meso" run on September 26th in Alton, Illinois. 
In this pivotal moment, with congress debating chemical reform and the ever-present threat of asbestos, ADAO is working to magnify the voice of the victims and spread asbestos awareness and prevention techniques around the globe.  ADAO is dedicating the month of September to asbestos awareness, leading up to the official "Mesothelioma Awareness Day" on September 26th.
 
During this month of community bonding and awareness, ADAO and our loyal supporters are working tirelessly to increase awareness and prevention. Every Tuesday during the month of September, ADAO will be hosting an hour-long #ENDMeso Twitter Chat to spark the conversation about education, advocacy, and awareness. 
 
Truly, it is the voices of our community, that are the loudest and strongest catalysts for change. Thank you for all of your dedication and please join us in this month's awareness events!
 
Together, change is happening! 

Linda Reinstein
In This Issue

FEATURED VIDEO INTERVIEW

Dr. Barry Castleman discusses facts about asbestos, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform, and more.  Videotaped in Washington, DC in March 2015. 

ALERT: SOCIAL ACTION




ADAO is proud to unveil our new RAISE YOUR VOICE || #ENDMeso Campaign for Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26th.

Through our storytelling, we continue to educate people about asbestos to save lives and shape policy.  

This month, we feature 12 RAISE YOUR VOICE || #ENDMeso graphics designed by ADAO Volunteer, Jessica Mattmuller. Read more... Share More!

 
Congress: Stand up for AMERICANS and BAN ASBESTOS!
 
Asbestos is still lethal, legal, and in thousands of homes, schools, and consumer products.
 
Thousands of people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, but because our federal toxics law is broken, millions of pounds of asbestos continue to enter the United States. Worse yet, the public has no real way of knowing which companies are importing asbestos, or what products it goes into because asbestos imports are legal and not regulated.
 
The asbestos lobby is working hard to keep this deadly substance coming into the country and to keep its whereabouts a secret.
 
It's time to: 
  • REFORM our broken federal toxics law
  • STOP all imports of asbestos
  • GIVE its victims the justice they deserve
We need you to take action right now and stand up for the thousands of Americans who are victimized by this lethal substance each year.
 
Send your letter to Congress and urge them to reform our broken federal toxics law, stop all imports of asbestos, and give asbestos victims the justice they deserve.
 
Be creative. Be Bold. Be actionable. Be LOUD. We must push for an asbestos ban NOW! 

EDUCATION


We are pleased to announce that for the fourth year the "International Asbestos Awareness & Prevention Conference" will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Washington D.C. on April 8 - 10, 2016. Session topics will include: Progress and Challenges from the Frontline, Medical Advancements: Diagnosing and Treating Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos-Related Diseases, Prevention: What Is It? Where Is It? What Do I Do?, and Advocacy: Global Ban Asbestos Action.

Stay tuned for more information regarding conference registration, discounted hotel rates, speakers, and more!   Read more...
The Photographic Exhibit "BADGES: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers" by Earl Dotter Tour Continues 

Our hearts are heavy as we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives that were taken 14 years ago. 

Countless more have died since then due to toxic exposure. When the towers collapsed, building debris blanketed Lower Manhattan, exposing residents and workers to known hazards in the air, including an estimated 1,000 tons of asbestos

Since 2002, the World Trade Center Program has medically screened more than 39,000 WTC rescue and recovery workers and volunteers. An analysis of available data through 2010 shows that there is approximately a 20% increase in cancer incidences in 9/11 rescue and recovery workers compared to the general population.  Read more ...
2015 Conference Videos Now Available

With the end of each annual three-day conference, a new project begins behind the scenes to share our entire event online. It is an extremely painstaking process requiring many edits and fine tuning, countless hours involving many folks. We are pleased to share our collection of the family tour, academic conference, awards dinner, and our Unity and Remembrance brunch videos. My sincere thanks to Sue Ann Taylor and her Blue Heron Films team for their help bringing this to completion.

With the diverse audience that ADAO has I won't presume to suggest viewing preferences. For doctor's and scientist's, the presentations may be more significant. For victims, survivors and family members, you won't want to miss the moments of the family event we hold on Friday's that is plain and simple, a time to just get together and enjoy a fun event without conference technicalities. For that same audience, the Sunday Brunch is more Reverent but equally significant.

There are two ways to view. Either click on our Agenda page and click on the particular link you want to watch or go to our dedicated YouTube Playlist for the 2015 Conference

I really hope you enjoy and appreciate the videos and I would love to have any feedback! ~ Herman Hamilton, Executive Assistant 


Workers have yet again unknowingly been exposed to deadly asbestos fibers due to the carelessness of employers. According to an investigation by the U.S Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 
two Illinois companies, Kehrer Brothers Construction and a Kehrer affiliated company, D7 Roofing, knowingly and willingly exposed at least eight workers to asbestos. Read More ...

VOLUNTEERS AT WORK


Everyone can participate in the Miles for Meso Race on National Mesothelioma Awareness Day - in person or virtually.

The 2015 Miles for Meso 5K Race and 2K Fun Run/Walk is coming up on Saturday, September 26th in Alton, Illinois! This event is an amazing opportunity to raise awareness on Mesothelioma Awareness Day and fuel a month of action. We are honored to be once again named the beneficiary of the 2015 race, an initiative of the  Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation.

Thanks to Jordan Zevon, Heather Von St. James, and the Mesothelioma Warrior Virtual Team, there are numerous ways you can support Miles for Meso. 1) Pledge a donation 1) Submit a Warrior's name for the Mesothelioma Warrior Virtual Team, Mesothelioma Warrior Virtual Team and 3) Get Social and join the online conversation using the hashtag #mfm5k. Read more...
 
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the community gathering hosted by ADAO in Ambler, Pennsylvania on August 17th.  ADAO's educational presentation, "Asbestos: Be Safe. Be Smart." was developed to heighten awareness of asbestos related hazards within the home, the workplace, and the community at large, while providing information and support to the residents of Ambler and its neighboring townships. Read More ...


There is hope for an asbestos ban as Congressional pressure had some asbestos-laden children's toys taken off the shelves. Tony Rich, who is an industrial hygienist and a member of the ADAO Prevention Advisory Board, discusses options for asbestos policing. Read more...
August 25, 2015

FEATURED INTERVIEW

Stink! Domestic Festival Trailer
Stink! Domestic Festival Trailer
Curious about the chemicals in your home and world? You won't believe what you see and hear! Check out our interview with Jon Whelan, Filmmaker of the Documentary "Stink" and his trailer below.  Stink! is an incredible documentary about the weaknesses and loopholes of the 1976 TSCA.  Jon, thanks for all of your help as we join together in the fight of our lives for real TSCA reform. Follow our Twitter conversations by usin @NetReturn and @Linda_ADAORead More ... 


COMMUNITY


This September, in preparation for Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26, 2015, ADAO is bringing social media advocacy to a new level!  Each Tuesday during the month of September from 12-1 PM ET, ADAO will be hosting #ENDMeso Twitter Chats where victims, experts, advocates, and concerned citizens can connect, share, and spread asbestos awareness. Each one-hour Twitter Chat will feature a topic or question of particular importance to asbestos awareness which will be discussed by our Twitter community, sparking a global conversation about the dangers of asbestos. Read more...

At ADAO, we know the only two ways to end mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases are prevention and a cure.  So, on September 26th, ADAO, along with patients, families, and concerned individuals throughout the United States will unite for Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Every year, Mesothelioma claims an estimated 3,000 lives. Throughout September, ADAO will be participating in a variety of asbestos advocacy events including the annual Miles For Meso 5k run in Alton, Illinois, our weekly asbestos awareness Twitter Chats, and of course Mesothelioma Awareness Day - September 26. #ENDMeso Read more...

On October 6-7, 2015 at the U.S. EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division Gitchee Gumee Conference Center in Duluth, MN workshop speakers will discuss the geological history of the region, the mineralogical occurrence of potentially harmful mineral fibers, and explore the relationships between mining and public health along the Iron Range.  The 
workshop will also serve in part as a memorial to the asbestos-related research of USEPA scientist Dr. Philip Cook.  Much of Dr. Cook's career was dedicated to the study of the effects of elongated mineral particles and results from his latest work will be presented. 
 
Registration for the workshop will be limited.  Sign up or view the draft agenda.  
  
This symposium will examine the lasting impact of the legacy of Dr. Irving J. Selikoff (January 15, 1915-May 20, 1992) on occupational health and safety in the United States. Considered the father of occupational medicine, he is remembered for his seminal research on asbestos-related illnesses, his tireless advocacy for worker safety and health protections, and his contributions to the establishment of federal asbestos regulations.  In conjunction with the symposium, there will be an exhibit by photographer Earl Dotter on display titled Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers. Read More ...

ADVOCACY

Plain and simple, ADAO needs active volunteers to carry out our mission and achieve our goals. As ADAO grows and grows, we think it would be great to have people to coordinate and communicate with volunteers within States in various regions.  In June, ADAO launched the STATE LEADERSHIP TEAM (STL) with over 50 volunteers Read More ... 
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Action Fund and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) wrote a letter to Ms. Dawn Sweeny, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, urging the Association "to encourage its members to pledge to use only asbestos-free crayons".  Read More ...

SHARE YOUR STORY

"Monster of A Disease" - Vicki's Story

 "Secondary Exposure" - Burlene's Story


ASBESTOS IN THE NEWS

Vice News: "Why America's New Toxic Substances Legislation is a Win for the Chemical Industry" - By: Erin Brockovich

August 21, 2015

The Examiner Online: "Fight to See Drug Approved" Featuring Lou William's Story- By: Emily Baker

August 20, 2015

 

The Intelligencer: "Group Targets Ambler's Asbestos History, Legacy"- By: James Boyle

August 17, 2015

 

Bulletin.Represent.US: "Chemical Lobbyists Caught Writing Chemical Laws in Least Surprising Turn of Events Ever" - By: Michelle Constantineau 

August 7, 2015

     

The Washington Post: "Authorities Worry That Many U.S. Schools Could Have Dangerous Asbestos" - By: Lyndsey Layton  

August 5th, 2015

 

 

GLOBAL CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER 2015

September 2: Asbestos The Truth Conference  in Victoria Park Plaza, London, United Kingdom

September 4-6:  26th National Hazards Conference in Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom


September 12: 5th Annual Kayaking 4 Meso from Stillwater, New York to Halfmoon, New York

September 16-18:   in Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 



 
ADAO New Website
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org