Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Recognizes First Asbestos Awareness Day on April 1st - Designated by U.S. Senate.

WASHINGTON -- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an organization dedicated to serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today launched the inaugural Asbestos Awareness Day - to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and asbestos related diseases.

Speakers at today's press conference at the National Press Club included Ms. Linda Reinstein, ADAO Co-Founder & Executive Director; Dr. Richard Lemen, Assistant Surgeon General (Ret.); Mr. Pat Morrison, Health and Safety Director, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF); and Mr. Jim Fite, National Secretary, White Lung Association. At the event, ADAO outlined its vision for the next phase of awareness since the passage of Senate Resolution 43 designating April 1st as Asbestos Awareness Day. In addition, Mr. Alan Reinstein, President of ADAO and Mesothelioma survivor, honored Laurie Kazan-Allen (London, England) with the Tribute of Unity Award, Gayla Benefield (Libby, MT) with the Tribute of Hope Award, and Jill Vaughn (Keman, TX) with the Tribute of Inspiration Award.

"American writer James Thurber was quoted as saying, 'Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness,'" said Alan Reinstein, President, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. "This is the focus of Asbestos Awareness Day - to empower us all in the fight against asbestos with the most important weapon of all - knowledge. Asbestos and its deadly effects are no joking matter."

Individuals across the globe are participating in the first Asbestos Awareness Day through numerous targeted activities including "Reflections", an online publication, reviewing the tragic history of asbestos and providing information about preventing exposure and early disease detection, featuring an article from Dr. Richard Lemen, retired Assistant Surgeon General. Participants are also wearing blue "asbestos awareness" wristbands to recognize this inaugural event. Interested parties can learn more by visiting the ADAO website at www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

ADAO, an organization dedicated to serving as the voice of the asbestos victims, is seeking to raise awareness to fuel expanded education, research and treatment for asbestos related diseases. ADAO has also been active in the effort to find a fair and balanced piece of legislation that promotes the rights of victims and their families. Presently, ADAO is opposed to any bill - at the state or federal level - that does not include the correct medical criteria for testing (such as reliance on X-Rays which do not accurately reveal asbestos related cancers) and other key provisions that are needed to ensure a level playing field for current and future victims. For example, ADAO is opposed to "The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act" - sponsored by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) for the following reasons:

--Outdated and incorrect medical criteria in the bill describing the symptoms, diagnosis and severity of asbestos related diseases

--Inordinate compensation delays and ineligibility for the victims

--Inadequate funding not only for research, but education, prevention and outreach

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org