iMig Board Reiterates its Position: “There is no safe use of asbestos”

iMig Board Reiterates its Position: “There is no safe use of asbestos” 

GBAN applauds the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig)for its public stance against Canada’s recent assertion as to the safety of chrysotile exposure, despite the fact that it is a known human carcinogen. In February, the New York Times ran an article that perpetuated the Canadian government’s self-interested assertions, as it blatantly misrepresented the truth in order to excuse its continued mining and exporting of asbestos. The World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Surgeon General have confirmed that there is no known safe level of exposure to chrysotile or any type of asbestos. We in the asbestos community know this, and GBAN wholeheartedly supports iMig’s emphasis of the fact.

“iMig is taking steps to be more active in policy issues, in keeping with its role as an impartial body of physicians, scientists and others committed to the prevention and cure of mesothelioma.  iMig now has a Public Policy Committee which can consider requests for iMig endorsements.”  – Courtney Broaddus, M.D. (San Francisoc, CA).  The Public Policy Committee includes Marie-Claude Jaurand (INSERM, Paris), Jim deWaterNaude (South Africa) and Daniel Sterman (Philadelphia, PA). www.imig.org

IMig has joined the battle against ignorance at a critical time. Our 7th Annual International Asbestos (April 1-3) is rapidly approaching, as is the Global Asbestos Awareness Week. It is through these efforts – and the commendable efforts of organizations such as iMig – that we hope to spread the truth about asbestos. We thank iMig for its great contribution to saving lives and preventing asbestos exposure, and hope to continue to fight the battle against ignorance so clearly exemplified with the Canadian government.

In appreication,

Linda Reinstein, GBAN Charter Member

Read the iMig Statement

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Holding Japan in Our Hearts and Prayers

On behalf of Global Ban Asbestos Network (GBAN) and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), we continue to hold Japan in our hearts and prayers.

As global citizens, no matter where we live, we are connected to our friends around the world 24/7.    Reading emails from our Japanese colleagues and watching the news is beyond paralyzing.  Reports say more than 452,000 people are staying in temporary shelters, often sleeping on the floor in school gymnasiums.  Many face lack of food, water and medicine, and the death toll is rising. 

ADAO is honoring one of the most courageous ban asbestos advocates ever, Sugio Furuya, at the ADAO Asbestos Awareness Conference in April with the Tribute of Inspiration Award.   As one would expect, Sugio remains a strong leader during this recent crisis and continues to be a beacon of hope to those in Japan and his friends around the world.

Although the people of Japan have experienced catastrophic loss, they are a proud and resilient people and their hope and strength remain strong.  Through globalization we are undeniably connected and technology enables us to ignore bounders and boundaries we once knew.   There are several ways to help and we hope you will view this link Japan earthquake and tsunami: How to help”.

We send them our love, hope, strength and especially our prayers during this difficult time. 

In unity, 

GBAN

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ADAO Applauds Senate for Passage of Seventh Annual Resolution that Establishes “National Asbestos Awareness Week”

For Immediate Release: March 10, 2011 

ADAO Applauds Senate for Passage of Seventh Annual Resolution that establishes “National Asbestos Awareness Week”

2011 also Marks Transformation into Global Asbestos Awareness Week   

Washington, DC … March 10, 2011 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), combining education, advocacy and community as the largest U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and cosponsors for passing a resolution that declares the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week” and seeks to “raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.”

Continue reading

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ADAO Joins Millions around the World to Observe Rare Disease Day

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2011

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Joins Millions around the World to Observe Rare Disease Day

WASHINGTON, DC … February 28, 2011 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which combines education, advocacy, and community to provide a unified voice for asbestos victims, will be joining the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and others around the world in observing World Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2011. On this day, millions of patients and their families will share their stories and focus a spotlight on rare diseases as an important global public health concern.

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India: Bihar Youth are Turning Knowledge into Action

“Student protest halts asbestos factory in Bihar, India”

ADAO congratulates the youth of Bihar, India for standing up for the health and wellness of their village by protesting the construction of a local asbestos factory.  Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. While the factory owners allege that Chrysotile white asbestos is not harmful to humans’ health, local students know better. Chrysotile asbestos represents 95% of all the asbestos used in the world today. In fact, it was in their school studies that they learned the deadly risks of asbestos exposure and the long-term health risks of allowing an asbestos facility so close to home.  These youth have been disseminating information about asbestos throughout the village and rallying their friends and family to protest the construction of the asbestos factory.  Students and villagers are adamant that the factory not be built, and ADAO supports their efforts to spread awareness and protect the health of their friends and family.   What an inspiring story of youth making a difference! 

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“Quebec Director of Occupational Safety Asked to Resign from Asbestos Project”

The Director of Occupational Safety at Quebec’s Occupational Health & Safety Commission, Norman Paulin, is working on a “safe use of asbestos in India” agreement, on behalf of the Quebec government. In a letter to Mr Paulin of February 11, 2011, a number of health activists, doctors and academics call on Mr Paulin to withdraw from this project, which they consider to be deceptive, discriminatory and in contravention of his Code of Ethics as an engineer. Click here to read an English translation of the letter and accompanying documentation.

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Global Asbestos Awareness Week April 1st – 7th

Our global community wants to join our U.S. National Asbestos Awareness Week from April 1st – April 7th – so based on demand, we will join together for Global Asbestos Awareness Week!

The World Health Organization reported “in 2004, asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis from occupational exposures resulted in 107,000 deaths and 1,523,000 DALYs.

Disability-adjusted life year (DALY) is defined as the measure of overall disease burden expressed as the number of years lost due to ill-health, disability or early death.

But these aren’t just numbers; these are individuals, families, and friends who have been impacted by preventable deadly diseases.  So ink your calendars, share the news, and watch for exciting details on how we will work around the world to raise asbestos awareness to prevent asbestos-caused diseases.

The time is now, and together, change is possible.  Join us on Facebook where we are “Turning Anger Into Action” and at GBAN.

Mavis, thank you for suggesting Global Asbestos Awareness Week – I dedicate my efforts to you and our global Facebook community!

In unity,

Linda Reinstein, Mesothelioma Widow (Facebook)

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U.S. Senate Introduces “National Asbestos Awareness Week” Resolution

For Immediate Release: February 18, 2011

ADAO Praises Senate for Introduction of Seventh Annual Resolution that Establishes “National Asbestos Awareness Week”

Washington, DC … February 18, 2011 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), combining education, advocacy and community as the leading U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and cosponsors for introducing a resolution that declares the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week” and seeks to “raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure.” Continue reading

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No Boundaries, No Borders

Connecting and sharing through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Blogs just keeps improving!

This is an exciting and revolutionary time in communication, as we globally witness the power of unity and collective activism to increase education, advocacy, and community support.  It would have taken decades to accomplish what Global Ban Asbestos Network (GBAN) and others have done using the latest digital tools and social media networks.  Together, change is happening!

I wanted to share a free social media tool with you called The #asbestos Daily.  Tweets for the day are viewed easily and neatly in a newspaper format and previous tweets are archived for review. I read it everyday – it is a fast and efficient way to keep up and share news with friends and colleagues in your network.

See what you think and share your social media tips and tools on our new GBAN Facebook page.

Or better yet, attend our conference on April 1-3 and join my session: “Maximizing Education, Advocacy and Community through Social Media.” I personally look forward to welcoming you to our 7th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference in Atlanta, Georgia!

Together, our shared commitment and work are making a difference!

In unity,
Linda Reinstein, Mesothelioma Widow and ADAO Co-Founder

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“The Quebec government supports the safe use of asbestos and all other dangerous substances.”

PDF of Letter

January 28, 2011
Ms. Linda Reinstein
Chief Executive Officer
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
1525 Aviation Boulevard, Suite 318
Redondo Beach CA 90278
UNITED STATES

Dear Ms. Reinstein,

At the request of Serge Simard, Minister for Natural Resources and Wildlife,
I would like to reply to your recent letter addressed to Jean Charest,
Premier of Quebec, in which you ask him to prohibit the extraction and
exporting of asbestos. Continue reading

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