One mayor is expected to take a major step in increasing asbestos awareness.

This Friday, Mayor Bobby Bright of Alabama will sign a proclamation declaring April 1 Asbestos Awareness Day in Montgomery.  The proclamation enforces the senate's recent decision to name the same day National Asbestos Awareness Day, adding local credence to the nationwide resolution.  April 1-7 has been deemed National Asbestos Awareness Week.

The Environmental Working Group reports that about 10,000 Americans die annually from asbestos-related disease, so Bright's decision reflects a significant milestone in increasing local awareness.  The awareness day seeks to educate the public on the dangers of asbestos exposure and the diseases it causes, such as lethal mesothelioma.  Ideally, Bright's action will inspire other authorities to follow suit in promoting localized asbestos education.