Posted on April 4, 2017
Each year, ADAO dedicates April 1-7 to increasing awareness of asbestos and preventing exposure by bringing together experts and victims from around the world to share, learn, and take action. To view all 7 days of Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) contributors and content on our landing page, please click here.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure. Since the 19th century, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry. Without a ban, asbestos remains legal and lethal in the USA and nearly 70% of countries around the world today.
Today, we’re highlighting political champions who have been instrumental in our legislative advocacy for an asbestos ban. We will also feature the moving story of Day Four Ambassador: Heather Von St. James, Minnesota, US: “The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears.”
The past year has been monumental for the North American ban asbestos movement, thanks in large part to tireless and often thankless work from dedicated public servants and union leaders. A major accomplishment we had in the U.S. was the passage of true TSCA reform with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. These reforms updated chemical safety laws that were so weak, they prevented the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from banning asbestos despite its proven track record as a deadly carcinogen. The Lautenberg Act reforms require toxic chemicals to be evaluated and regulated on purely health and risk based standards, with no concern to business or other considerations.
This huge improvement will in theory prevent corporate interests from hijacking lifesaving regulatory processes, but this did not come easily. Congress and interested stakeholders battled over TSCA reform for nearly eight years before passing reforms last year, and through it all, Senator Barbara Boxer championed the interests of asbestos victims and all Americans, refusing to back down until the law was truly protective of public health rather than corporate profit. She crystallized her role as an ADAO champion later last year when she introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2016. Sen. Boxer has epitomized what a champion is and continually inspired the ADAO community to keep fighting by showing us how far the “art of tough” can take you.
While Sen. Boxer and her staff have carried the torch for our issue for many years, she hasn’t been alone in our corner. A number of other Senators have backed our initiatives, cosponsored bills, helped us organize briefings and even more. With the recent retirement of Sen. Boxer, we’re starting to see other champions step up to the plate and take charge. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana is high on this list, and just last month introduced and secured passage of the 13th Senate Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution (S. Res. 98).
ADAO and the asbestos victim community owe a deep debt of gratitude to these senators and others who fight for an asbestos free future. In truth, it’s not an especially popular or sexy topic to fight for on high-drama Capital Hill, especially given the changing political climate and pro-asbestos new president. This is why we at ADAO are so thrilled to have the opportunity to honor both Sens. Boxer and Tester at our upcoming International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference.
Sen. Boxer will be featured in Earl Dotter’s BADGES photography exhibits, which will be on display during the conference. This is the third run of BADGES, which honors the legacy of Dr. Irving J. Selikoff and memorializes the 20th century workers sickened and killed by asbestos. This iteration of BADGES is dedicated to Sen. Boxer’s career and her invaluable impact on TSCA reform.
Sen. Tester will be honored with the 2017 Tribute of Hope Award, fitting as he steps up to be more central in the Congressional showdown over asbestos. As much as we loathe to see Sen. Boxer take her leave from the U.S., but working with Sen. Tester’s staff truly does give us hope.
Nothing about fighting for an asbestos ban is or has been easy. It’s truly a David vs. Goliath story, and without the aide of political champions, we wouldn’t stand a chance. Please join me in thanking Sens. Boxer and Tester, the many other Congressional Members who have cosponsored or voted in favor of resolutions and other initiatives, and the Surgeons General who have issued warning statements, too. Having these people in our corner strengthens our position immeasurably!
It takes a village, but together, we are making change happen!
Linda
Special thanks to our 2016 Platinum Sponsor, Motley Rice LLC
