WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an organization dedicated to serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds the United States Senate for designating the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.” In particular, ADAO praises Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and additional cosponsors and key supporters of S.RES.108 including: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) for their leadership in this important legislative victory. “This designation continues to recognize the national tragedy created by the continued uncontrolled dissemination and use of products containing asbestos in the United States,” said Dr. Richard Lemen, former Assistant Surgeon General and Co-chairman of the ADAO Science Advisory Board. “While the most devastating asbestos related disease may be mesothelioma, we should not forget the much larger number of lung cancers that arise from asbestos exposure, the interactions with smoking, and the many other cancers such as GI, larynx, and kidney that can also arise. Also, asbestosis continues to affect many who have been exposed to asbestos over the years,” stated Dr. Arthur L. Frank, Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Drexel University and Co-chairman of the ADAO Science Advisory Board. “The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization commends the U.S. Senate and the bi-partisan cosponsors of this important resolution for their continued leadership in addressing this preventable public health crisis,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “In particular, ADAO commends the Senate for including an amendment that urges the U.S. Surgeon General to warn and educate people that asbestos exposure may be hazardous to their health.” To recognize National Asbestos Awareness Week, ADAO will hold its third annual conference and Remembrance Service at Drexel University School of Public Heath on March 31st and April 1st respectively in Philadelphia. About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, and raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the incurable and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers.
