ADOA praises APHA for passing landmark Elimination of Asbestos Resolution

Nov 12 2009

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) applauds the American Public Health Association (APHA), the largest and most diverse public health organization in the world. APHA adopted a resolution calling on Congress to pass legislation banning the manufacture, sale, export, or import of asbestos containing products including products in which asbestos is a contaminant. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, annually claims the lives of more than 10,000 Americans.

"With this new policy, APHA is joining the World Federation of Public Health Associations and other international organizations calling for a global ban on asbestos mining, and manufacturing, and the dangerous practice of exporting asbestos containing products," said Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH, Chair of APHA's Occupational Health and Safety section. "As the World Health Organization noted in 2006, the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos related diseases is to stop using all types of asbestos."

“ADAO applauds APHA for passage of the landmark Elimination of Asbestos Resolution,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “APHA set a precedent with strong language aimed at preventing asbestos exposure to eliminate deadly diseases. Ambler, Pennsylvania – now a superfund site – is still plagued from asbestos piles left behind from the once profitable asbestos businesses. We can’t let history repeat itself – it is time to ban asbestos and fund educational and research programs. APHA renews our optimism that a federal asbestos ban is eminent.”

 http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/