Press Release: ADAO Launches 19th Annual “Global Asbestos Awareness Week” April 1-7, 2023
Posted on March 31, 2023
Each year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (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) content, please click here. Be sure to follow the conversation on social media with our GAAW hashtag: #2023GAAW.
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, and there is no safe level of exposure. While promising research continues, prevention remains the only cure.
Day SEVEN: Remembering Paul, (USA) — Read his story “Dust into Gold: Banning Asbestos Is Good Business”
This is the first year ADAO has translated GAAW educational releases into Turkish and Ukrainian. Our hearts are with them as both countries endure devastation due to the earthquake and Russian attack.
Featured “BADGES: A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO ASBESTOS WORKERS” Poster by Earl Dotter: “Art, Advocacy and Action” (2022)
Leadership Quote: In 1976 NIOSH recommended to OSHA that asbestos be banned in the workplace, but no such ban has ever been enacted and thousands continue to be exposed and die from asbestos-related diseases.” Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH, United States Assistant Surgeon General (retired) and ADAO Science Advisory Board Chairman
Call To Action: Take action now to ban asbestos imports and use with no loopholes or exemptions! Send your #BanAsbestos letter to Congress in just 60 seconds and add your voice to the U.S. and international coalition fighting against this deadly fiber. Protect the health of workers, families, and communities — urge Congress take immediate action. Send your letter today!
Featuring BADGES: A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO ASBESTOS WORKERS” Poster by Earl Dotter: “Art, Advocacy and Action” (2022)
Today, on day seven of GAAW, we hold a candlelight vigil in honor and remembrance of the countless victims who have been silenced by asbestos worldwide. We remember Paul, and share his story, “Dust into Gold: Banning Asbestos Is Good Business.” Paul was a remarkable friend and brave Warrior, who, for more than a decade, valiantly used his voice to fight for an asbestos ban and civil justice. PBS NewsHour highlighted Paul’s powerful story in 2019 with their excellent segment: “The stunning truth about asbestos use in the U.S.” by Miles O’Brien.
As importation and use of all asbestos forms continue, more and more people are exposed to asbestos every day. Many people who have been exposed and contracted asbestos-related diseases spend their final years fighting for a ban, because once they learn of their fate, they want to make sure no one else suffers one similar. We must ban all six forms of asbestos, for once and for all. We reflect on the lives lost from asbestos.
Tonight, the ADAO community will gather for a virtual candlelight vigil, both to honor the warriors fighting asbestos diseases and remember those we have lost. We light these candles with heavy hearts, but also with hope for a brighter future without asbestos.
Time has taught us that it takes a village. We are grateful for the village that we have built. Each year, Global Asbestos Awareness Week shows us just how powerful we are together. Thank you to everyone for their participation in the 19th annual GAAW! We are deeply grateful for the support of our contributors and those who joined the GAAW conversation around the world. An asbestos ban is on the horizon. Until then, prevention is our best tool to protect our international community.
Thank you to our GAAW Partner for Prevention, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) for their continued support in education and awareness.
Together, we make change happen.
Linda Reinstein
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