ADAO Encouraged by Energy and Commerce Subcommittee's Hearing on "Prioritizing Chemicals for Safety Determination".

Step in Right Direction; Full Asbestos Prohibition Needed to Ensure Adequate Consumer Protection

WASHINGTON -- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) today announced that it is encouraged by the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection's Hearing on "Prioritizing Chemicals for Safety Determination". The hearing examined the options for prioritizing chemicals for safety determinations in the event that the Committee amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

This development is preceded by the Surgeon General's statement earlier this year acknowledging that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s recommendation to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to further protect citizens against dangerous chemicals such as asbestos.

In addition, ADAO's own product testing in 2007 revealed that asbestos continues to be used in consumer products, including children's toys. As a result of the independent investigation, the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation(TM)Fingerprint Examination Kit toy was pulled from store shelves just before the holidays.

"As the largest victims' organization, ADAO agrees with the World Health Organization, International Labour Organization (ILO), EPA and U.S. Surgeon General, that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure," stated ADAO Executive Director, Linda Reinstein. "We need to move from consumer protection to the prohibition of deadly chemicals. Since 1976, scientific and medical studies have proved asbestos is a human carcinogen. Our 2007 ADAO product testing results confirmed without a doubt that asbestos remains a threat. It is critically important to amend TSCA and ban asbestos now."

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 a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, and raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.