LOS ANGELES, Aug 06, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The following statement was issued today by Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), regarding the 2011 U.S. Geological Mineral Yearbook confirming the U.S. consumption of asbestos fiber increased 13%.
"As a Mesothelioma widow and asbestos awareness advocate, I was appalled and shocked by the 2011 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Yearbook (Advance Release) which reported 'apparent consumption of asbestos was calculated to be 1,180 metric tons in 2011, a 13% increase from 1,040 metric tons.'
"Asbestos remains legal and lethal in the United States. USGS reported, 'that 140 metric tons of chrysotile imported in 2011 went into stocks for future use rather than being used because it was unlikely that markets had expanded. Roofing products accounted for 41% of U.S. consumption.' The facts are irrefutable, asbestos is a known human carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure.
"In 1977, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared asbestos a human carcinogen, yet occupational, environmental, and consumer exposure continues throughout the United States. More than 10,000 Americans die every year from asbestos-caused diseases such as Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, and Lung Cancer.
"On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), I am calling on Congress and the President to protect public health and immediately prohibit the importation of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products from crossing our borders. I have lost my husband, Alan, to Mesothelioma, a disease caused from asbestos exposure. Nothing can bring him or the hundreds of thousands of other victims back to life, but we can begin by aggressively preventing exposure thus eliminating deadly diseases."
About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy, and community. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org .
SOURCE: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Doug Larkin Director of Communications 202-391-1546 doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
Copyright Business Wire 2012
