Every year, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) dedicates the first full week of April to Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW). From April 1 to April 7, Simmons Hanly Conroy will join advocates across the world in the fight to ban asbestos.
For over 20 years, ADAO has been dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos, preventing exposure to the carcinogen, and fighting to ban all use and imports of asbestos in the United States.
Until the 1980s, asbestos was used in a wide range of industries because of its unique temperature resistance, durability, and affordability. However, employees who worked with the material began to develop serious illnesses like mesothelioma.
In the U.S. alone, over 40,000 innocent people die from asbestos-related diseases every year.
Despite the undisputed scientific evidence about the dangers of asbestos, manufacturers of asbestos-based products hid the dangers for decades, putting millions of people at risk of developing life-threatening diseases.
This Global Asbestos Awareness Week, we recognize the progress that has been made while acknowledging the critical work that remains. Learn more about getting involved during GAAW.
The Importance of Global Asbestos Awareness Week
After her husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003, ADAO Co-Founder and President Linda Reinstein became a leading voice in the fight to ban asbestos, working to protect other families from the pain of asbestos-related diseases.
“Like every other person,” said Linda, “I had never heard of mesothelioma, I couldn’t pronounce it, and worse yet, I found that there was no cure.”
When she realized asbestos wasn’t banned in the U.S. — despite decades of evidence showing it could cause cancer — Linda made it her goal to fight for regulations and spread awareness about the risks.
This year, GAAW will focus on:
- Banning the mining, manufacturing, and use of asbestos around the world
- Increasing compliance and enforcement of existing asbestos laws and regulations
- Preventing asbestos exposure
- Strengthening international partnerships to protect public health
This week brings together experts, families, and advocates to push for stronger protections against asbestos and lasting policy change. It also serves as a time to honor mesothelioma warriors who have passed away and inspire those still fighting.
The efforts of GAAW are meant to protect the millions of people around the world at risk of devastating illnesses from asbestos exposure by advocating for worldwide change.
The Fight for a Full Asbestos Ban
Contrary to popular belief, asbestos is still not completely banned in many countries, including the United States. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a ban on chrysotile asbestos, one of the six types of this mineral.
Even with the EPA’s efforts to ban ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos in industries like chlorine manufacturing, five other asbestos fibers remain unregulated. Industries may have up to 12 years to switch to alternatives without asbestos, leaving workers to be exposed for years.
For this reason, the ADAO continues to advocate for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act, which was reintroduced to Congress in 2023 in honor of GAAW.
“We’ve been working, for the last 7 years, on the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act,” Linda explained. “It’s for the hundreds of thousands of Alans. Anyone who has suffered or died from this disease needs to feel part of that bill, and the bill would stop imports and use, which is the first step to mitigating this manmade disaster.”
This bill, if passed, would ban all uses and importation of asbestos in the United States, no matter the type. By closing dangerous regulatory loopholes, the bill aims to protect workers and their families against this deadly substance.
While preventing asbestos exposure is crucial in the U.S., a global ban on this carcinogen is equally important. Asbestos remains legal in approximately 70% of the world. As long as there remains a demand for asbestos, innocent lives will be put at risk of needless illnesses.
Every voice lifted during this Global Asbestos Awareness Week is critical in making a positive difference. Learn how you can show your support.
Show Your Support During Global Asbestos Awareness Week
Join the global push for asbestos awareness and advocacy this year by supporting GAAW and its important initiatives.
Some ways you can help the efforts during GAAW include:
- Educating friends and family about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found, and how to avoid exposure
- Following organizations like the ADAO on social media and interacting with or sharing their posts
- Listening to stories and offering emotional support to those living with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases
- Sharing your own stories about how asbestos has impacted you and your family
- Writing letters to your senators and representatives urging them to support a full asbestos ban by passing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN)
No matter how you choose to get involved, you can share your thoughts, stories, and photos online throughout the week using #2025GAAW.
Simmons Hanly Conroy Continues to Help Those Impacted by Asbestos
As a leading national mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy is proud to join the push for a future free from the devastation asbestos causes and support the ADAO as a platinum sponsor.
Our asbestos attorneys have seen firsthand the pain mesothelioma causes, and we encourage everyone to participate in this year’s Global Asbestos Awareness Week.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we may be able to help you file a mesothelioma lawsuit to seek compensation for treatment and other expenses.
In the past 25 years, our firm has secured over $9.9 billion in mesothelioma compensation for thousands of families nationwide.
Contact us now to find out more about your options after a diagnosis. Simmons Hanly Conroy is here to support you and hold asbestos companies accountable during GAAW and throughout the year.
