Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

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The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin in 2004 and is headquartered in Redondo Beach, California. ADAO is the largest independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, eliminating asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, and protecting asbestos victims’ civil rights through education, advocacy and community initiatives.[1][2][3]

Linda Reinstein, ADAO President and Co-Founder, has been invited to and presented at legislative hearings and medical symposiums in more than 20 countries including being invited to testify before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives,[4] United Nations World Conference on Safety and Health, American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Annual Meeting & Exposition, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Conference on Worker Safety and Health, International Mesothelioma Interest Group (iMig) Conference, Occupational Cancer Research Center (Canada), World Ban Asbestos Congress in Pakistan, International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, and others.

Mission

ADAO was founded to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice, to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and to work towards a global asbestos ban.[5] ADAO is dedicated to preventing asbestos-caused diseases through national and international education, advocacy, and community initiatives.

ADAO’s goals include the following:

  • Education: Educate the public and medical community about asbestos-related diseases and preventing asbestos exposure. Support research that leads to early detection, prevention and a cure.
  • Advocacy: Collaborate with organizations around the world for a global asbestos ban. Raise awareness that asbestos is still legal and lethal in the U.S.
  • Community: Unite asbestos victims to Share Their Stories, learn about treatment options, and support each other.[6]

ADAO does not make legal referrals for private lawsuits.

Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conferences

Since 2005, ADAO has hosted its Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference. [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] The annual event is an international medical conference where medical researchers, international NGO participants, and victims of asbestos diseases have met, interacted, and learned the latest in medical, scientific, and regulatory developments.

Other events and programs

ADAO annually hosts a conference and "Asbestos Awareness Week" from April 1–7. In 2011, 2012, and 2013, this week was honored by the U.S. Senate with an official proclamation of this week through a Senate Resolution.[12] This year the conference was held in Washington DC on April 17-19.[13]

In 2011, ADAO created a public service announcement now posted on Youtube to promote knowledge of the fact that asbestos is not banned in many countries world-wide, despite common perceptions otherwise.[14]

In 2015, ADAO sponsored a special photography exhibit called "Badges, A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers". This exhibit features the work of photographer Earl Dotter and has been set up to honour to legacy of Dr. Irving J. Selikoff.[15]

See also

References

External links