Have you marked your calendars for 2014’s Global Asbestos Awareness Week? April 1 – 7, is the time to stand up and speak out against asbestos use throughout the world. What will you do to spread awareness?
Started ten years ago by the ADAO (Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization), Asbestos Awareness Week began as a national week-long holiday to raise awareness for U.S. victims of asbestos exposure. This year, the global community demanded to be a part the activities, as the use of asbestos around the world continues to affect the lives of people everywhere. In places like Russia and India, the production and use of asbestos is extensive and results in dangerous exposure to the toxic substance.
The World Health Organization reported that, in 2004, 107,000 deaths resulted from asbestos exposure, while 1,523,000 years were taken off of the lives of citizens worldwide. It is perplexing to think that this substance has not been banned worldwide — or even completely in the U.S. — but lives continue to be cut short each day.
As part of the week of awareness, join the ADAO founder, Linda Reinstein, in Washington D.C. April 2 – 6 for the 10th Annual Internation Asbestos Awareness Conference, “Where Knowledge and Action Unite.” Many renowned experts and asbestos victims will come together to present the latest advancements in disease prevention, global advocacy, and treatment for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Click here to read about the many speakers and activities taking place during the conference in Washington DC, and here to read more about Global Asbestos Awareness Week in general.
What can be done to spread awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure? Please leave your thoughts within a comment below.
Images via ADAO
