The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which combines 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 again introducing a resolution declaring the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week" that seeks to "raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure."

Additional cosponsors and key supporters include: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT).

"Asbestos Awareness Week is a rallying cry to keep the tragedy of Libby from happening again. It's also an opportunity to remind people that much more work lies ahead to help victims of asbestos-related diseases," said Baucus, who was instrumental in urging the EPA to declare its first ever public health emergency in Libby, Montana. "Although we can never fully right the outrageous wrong that took place in Libby, we can fight to make sure the community has the tools it needs to heal. And, we can keep working hard to make sure the public is aware of the tragic impact of asbestos exposure."

"ADAO applauds the U.S. Senate for its introduction of the Eighth Annual Resolution recognizing National Asbestos Awareness Week," said Linda Reinstein, President and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. "Since 2005, we have seen strong momentum towards raising awareness to prevent environmental and occupational asbestos exposure to eliminate asbestos-caused diseases. We look forward to the passage of this important Senate Resolution designating April 1 - 7 to be a week of awareness and moving closer to a future without asbestos."

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung, gastrointestinal, laryngeal and ovarian cancers, as well as non-malignant lung and pleural disorders. Studies estimate that 107,000 workers around the world will die every year of an asbestos related disease - equaling 300 deaths per day.

ADAO will hold its Eighth Annual International Asbestos Conference on March 30 - April 1, 2012, in Los Angeles, California.

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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 and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

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