The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and other asbestos advocates throughout the United States will be celebrating National Asbestos Awareness Week during the first week of April.
Thanks in large part to Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and other cosponsors, the Senate was able to introduce the sixth annual resolution that declares the first week of April National Asbestos Awareness Week.
The ADAO, which was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004, aims to protect the rights of those affected by asbestos-related disease while raising public awareness about the hazards associated with asbestos exposure.
Malignant Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that typically develops in the lining of the lungs, will be one of the many topics discussed at ADAO’s upcoming International Asbestos Conference. The conference is scheduled to begin on April 10, 2010 in Chicago Illinois.
Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of ADAO, said, “We are grateful to the U.S. Senate to have the opportunity to help raise the level of public awareness about the prolific dangers of asbestos and further unite doctors, scientists and public health advocates during National Asbestos Awareness Week for this important effort. During the past six years, ADAO has seen the progress and indeed, this confirms what Americans deserve and want. We know asbestos prevention and education will save lives and dollars.”
People are most commonly placed at risk of asbestos exposure when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are released into the air. Once these fibers become airborne, the chances of inhaling them increase significantly as they can remain in the air for quite some time depending on conditions.
In addition to mesothelioma, inhaling asbestos fibers is also known to cause lung cancer and asbestosis. While the effects of these illnesses may take several decades to arise, prognosis is often poor because they are typically diagnosed during the latest stages of development.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.