Ban Asbestos Now campaign launched to educate public on the dangers of asbestos inhalation

Sokolove LawMar 2 2010

"Ban Asbestos Now," a national campaign to build awareness of the continued use of asbestos in the United States, launched today to educate the public on the dangers of asbestos inhalation and urge Americans to pressure U.S. lawmakers to finally ban this toxic and often deadly substance.  It is considered "the largest manmade public health crisis in history" according to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).  

Asbestos has been banned in some 50 countries. Yet throughout the United States, it can still be easily found in the ceilings and floors of buildings that were built before 1980, duct tape, caulking, textured paints, car brakes, automotive parts, and even children's toys. Each year, 2000-3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.  

As part of this national awareness effort, Americans can join the movement to ban the deadly killer by visiting www.BanAsbestosNow.com.  Below are some ways in which you can take action:

• Write to Congress and draw national attention to the banning of asbestos. Log onto www.BanAsbestosNow.com, and sign your name to our letter asking Senators and Representatives to ban asbestos in the U.S. Also, ask friends and family to join the letter writing campaign by sharing the website. The more letters Congress receives, the stronger the message is to Ban Asbestos Now!  
• Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. Become a Fan of Ban Asbestos Now on Facebook and share the fan page with friends and family (www.facebook.com/BanAsbestos). Follow Ban Asbestos Now on Twitter and retweet daily tweets to your followers (https://twitter.com/BanAsbestos).  
• Create a video to compel Americans to join the Ban Asbestos Now movement. Upload a video to www.BanAsbestosNow.com. You could win a trip to the 2010 LA Film Festival and $1000 in spending money.

The Ban Asbestos Now website also offers educational resources on asbestos exposure and addresses questions and concerns regarding mesothelioma and asbestos.