Tuesday, September 16, marked a landmark day in asbestos litigation. The U.S. House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials introduced H.R. 6903, the “Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008” – a critical piece of legislation that once passed, will help to stop exposure to the lethal asbestos mineral. The bill, introduced by Chairman Gene Green (D-TX), will amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing products and help fuel public education programs.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest organization in the United States dedicated to serving as the voice of asbestos victims, applauded the U.S. House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials for this monumental decision. ADAO has worked with Congress for more than four years to advocate for the passage of such a bill and strongly encourages the House to quickly move it through to the President for his signature. The bill is also strongly supported by the Committee to Ban Asbestos in America (CBAA), recently formed by ADAO and The John McNamara Foundation, dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-caused diseases.

“As we remember the tragedy of 9-11, thousands still suffer from the irreversible damage caused from asbestos exposure. An asbestos ban prohibiting its importation, manufacturing, processing and distribution is absolutely necessary and long overdue,” stated Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “Other countries look to us to set global examples of responsibility and accountability. We must ban asbestos to eradicate the deadly diseases caused from asbestos exposure that plague so many families. As the largest volunteer organization in the United States, we are enormously pleased to support H.R. 6903 banning asbestos, a known human carcinogen, to protect public health.”

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