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Linda Reinstein, Executive Director of ADAO, Guest Blogger
Linda Reinstein is the Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an organization she co-founded after losing her husband Alan to mesothelioma. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers.
Update from ADAO on Legislation to Ban Asbestos in the U.S.
In 2010 we are doubling our efforts to push legislation forward that would ban asbestos in the United States once and for all. Our first formal effort of the year began earlier this month when we reached out to the White House, Senate and House in snowy Washington D.C.
Despite historic snowstorms that literally shut down D.C. in early February, we were able to make contact with key policy makers through a series of conference calls. Our discussions focused on legislation that would ban asbestos and the introduction of our annual asbestos awareness week resolution in both the House and the Senate.
To the thousands of families affected by mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, I want you to know that Congress has heard your voice and read your letters – thanks to the advocacy and efforts of thousands!
In educational discussions, ADAO continues to highlight the irrefutable facts that the WHO, EPA and U.S. Surgeon General confirm, “Asbestos is a carcinogen and there is no safe levels of exposure.” We must prevent exposure and fund research to eliminate diseases.
On behalf of ADAO and you, we owe Senator Baucus and Representative Cohen our gratitude for carrying the “Asbestos Awareness Week” Resolution designating April 1 – 7 a week of awareness.
Many thanks to those who make our work possible including our network of experts, community, and sponsors; thanks also to Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson, for joining us on this special trip to The Hill.
In unity,
Linda Reinstein
Relevant Links: Search for a Cure, Asbestos Exposure
ADAO Issues Urgent Message Encouraging Others to Spread the Word About the Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Although the anger of families like mine remains strong, our shift to action has become stronger. The good news is we are closer than ever to implementing a full ban. But we need your help to make it happen. Our new ADAO message will advance education and prevention.
What
should people know about asbestos?
Asbestos is a carcinogen and has not been banned. It is a silent killer -
hazardous when inhaled - with no warning properties such as taste or odor. Now
the Acting
Surgeon General has acknowledged the dangers of asbestos, issuing a strong
warning earlier this year that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
"Asbestos is a carcinogen. Ban asbestos now. Asbestos can cause cancer and irreversible lung damage. Asbestos has no warning properties ---you can't see it, smell it or taste it. Avoid asbestos exposure, and consult the CPSC, EPA,NIOSH, ILO and WHO guidelines, regulations and laws."
What
can you do to help?
Copy and paste this into an email. Post the new ADAO warning and educational
resource link on Facebook and Twitter.
Watch and forward the one minute ADAO ban asbestos commercial.
With one click of the mouse at the BanAsbestos website, you can send a letter to your representatives, letting them know how strongly YOU support an asbestos ban.
ADAO
and You
The Asbestos Disease
Awareness Organization serves as the leading "voice of the
victims. Jordan
Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson, our renowned Science
Advisory Board, National
Asbestos Awareness Campaign and annual Asbestos
Awareness Day Conferences increase asbestos awareness to prevent
exposure.
For
every life lost to asbestos, a shattered family is left behind. Like you,
patients, doctors and volunteers around the world are still turning their anger
to action. I want to thank you for your ongoing support, for your action, for
the difference we can make - together.
Relevant Links: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, Ban Asbestos


