National Asbestos Awareness Week - April 1 to 7 2012

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US Senator Max Baucus (MT)

The US Senate has passed a resolution designating April 1- 7, 2012 as National Asbestos Awareness Week. Introduced by US Senator Max Baucus (MT), the mesure received US Senate approval the same day.

Co-Sponsors were:
Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] - 3/6/2012 
Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] - 3/6/2012 
Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA] - 3/6/2012 
Sen Isakson, Johnny [GA] - 3/6/2012 
Sen Murray, Patty [WA] - 3/6/2012 
Sen Reid, Harry [NV] - 3/6/2012 
Sen Tester, Jon [MT] - 3/6/2012

   A resolution (S. Res. 389) designating the first week of April 2012 as ``National Asbestos Awareness Week.''

   There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution.

   Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements be printed in the Record.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

   The resolution (S. Res. 389) was agreed to.

   The preamble was agreed to.

   The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

   S. Res. 389

   Whereas dangerous asbestos fibers are invisible and cannot be smelled or tasted;

   Whereas the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause significant damage;

   Whereas asbestos fibers can cause cancer such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems;

   Whereas asbestos-related diseases can take 10 to 50 years to present themselves;

   Whereas the expected survival time for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is between 6 and 24 months;

   Whereas, generally, little is known about late-stage treatment of asbestos-related diseases, and there is no cure for such diseases;

   Whereas early detection of asbestos-related diseases may give some patients increased treatment options and might improve their prognoses;

   Whereas the United States has substantially reduced its consumption of asbestos, yet continues to consume almost 1,100 metric tons of the fibrous mineral for use in certain products throughout the United States;

   Whereas asbestos-related diseases have killed thousands of people in the United States;

   Whereas exposure to asbestos continues, but safety and prevention of asbestos exposure already has significantly reduced the incidence of asbestos-related diseases and can further reduce the incidence of such diseases;

   Whereas asbestos has been a cause of occupational cancer;

   Whereas thousands of workers in the United States face significant asbestos exposure;

   Whereas thousands of people in the United States die from asbestos-related diseases every year;

   Whereas a significant percentage of all asbestos-related disease victims were exposed to asbestos on naval ships and in shipyards;

   Whereas asbestos was used in the construction of a significant number of office buildings and public facilities built before 1975;

   Whereas people in the small community of Libby, Montana suffer from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, at a significantly higher rate than people in the United States as a whole; and

   Whereas the establishment of a ``National Asbestos Awareness Week'' will raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--

    (1) designates the first week of April 2012 as ``National Asbestos Awareness Week'';

    (2) urges the Surgeon General to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health; and

    (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the Office of the Surgeon General.

.....

For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses. 

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Better Control Over Asbestos Contaminated Sites Required

Senator Max Baucus (MT)

The recent discovery of the spread of asbestos contamination in Libby MT, which had been declared a Public Health Emergency, is shocking. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, associated with mesothelioma, is reportedly still lingering throughout the community. 

Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus vowed to find answers regarding reports today of asbestos-contaminated bark and wood chips being sold in Libby, MT and beyond. 

"We've made tremendous strides in the effort to help Libby heal with health care and environmental cleanup. But trust is essential to Libby's ability to heal psychologically and economically. Now it appears EPA's actions may have put that trust in jeopardy, so you can bet I'll be holding EPA's feet to the fire to find out exactly what they knew, when they knew it, and whether action is needed to ensure the safety of folks in Libby and across the country who were exposed to this bark," Baucus said. "The people of Libby have already been poisoned in the name of greed and I won't allow them to be victimized again because of negligence. We need to work together to make sure safety information is complete and transparent so the community can move forward and create jobs with faith in the agencies and processes that are supposed to protect them."

Since news reports first linked widespread deaths and illness to exposure to deadly asbestos fibers at the defunct W.R Grace and Co. mine, Baucus has visited Libby more than 20 times, secured millions for healthcare and cleanup, brought numerous White House cabinet secretaries to the town, helped save the CARD clinic, and has dogged the EPA to keep cleanup efforts moving forward. 

As far back as 1999, Baucus wrote a letter to then Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala requesting immediate medical help and assistance to the area. He further lambasted the EPA's decision to not declare a Public Health Emergency, calling it an "outrage." 

In 2008, Baucus released a report detailing a 2002 attempt by the EPA to declare a Public Health Emergency in Libby that was thwarted by the previous Administration's Office of Management and Budget. And on June 17, 2009, due in large part to Baucus' efforts, the EPA declared its first ever public health emergency in Libby, Montana. 

Earlier this year Baucus was announced as the 2011 Tribute of Hope Award recipient by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) for his tireless efforts fighting on behalf of residents of Libby, Lincoln County and Asbestos victims everywhere. In March, the Senate unanimously passed Baucus' resolution to designate the first week of April 2011 as "Asbestos Awareness Week," and call attention to Libby and other victims of asbestos-related disease.

The continued spread of this contamination is yet another reason why the US must finally ban asbestos entirely. 

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Asbestos Awareness Conference To Focus on Public Health, Environment and The Economy

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest U.S. organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, presents its 7th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference, Asbestos: Impact on Public Heath, Environment, and the Economy. The event will be held April 1 - 3, 2011, at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center. This conference is made possible with the support of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Presentations will include occupational and non-occupational exposure issues, detection and treatment advances, environmental and economic impact, national and global policy. 

The international conference brings together experts from around the globe to collaborate and enhance efforts to completely ban asbestos. Attendees will hear about the most advanced medical, occupational and environmental information to prevent home, school and work asbestos exposure; as well as disease prevention and treatment. 

The conference will also quantify the economic impact of asbestos exposure to individuals, business and the government. Speakers will represent the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and Germany. The ADAO international conference is made possible with the support and collaborative efforts of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch. 

Linda Reinstein, President/CEO and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, knows first hand the pain that can result from asbestos exposure after loosing her husband in 2006 to mesothelioma, a leading asbestos caused cancer. “ADAO is dedicated to the three core principles – education, advocacy, and community – as reaffirmed by this year’s powerful conference,” stated Reinstein. “This year’s event brings together some of the world’s most important voices, including leading professionals from different fields who play a pivotal role in globally uniting efforts to end asbestos disease. We welcome them and thank our many generous sponsors who are helping to make this event possible. There is indeed power in knowledge.” 

According to Michael Harbut M.D., MPH, FCCP, of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, “The ADAO conference is one of the best educational and awareness opportunities for physicians, public health representatives, caregivers and other advocates. We all have an opportunity to make an impact on preventing asbestos-related diseases. Whether you’re a medical professional or someone who deeply cares about the health of your loved ones, this conference offers an important network for everyone.” 

The weekend will provide information and inspiration for those impacted by asbestos-related disease as well as others who advocate for safe environments. 

The conference also will recognize US Senator Max Baucus, and others,  those who have demonstrated exceptional service to enhance asbestos awareness. The Unity and Remembrance Brunch on April 3 will honor and remember loved ones lost to asbestos exposure, as well as support others impacted by asbestos-related diseases.

Click here for to register. http://preview.tinyurl.com/4afv8jt

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