The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization hosted their annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference at the end of March. The conference featured several speakers and guests who shared experiences, research, and advice pertaining to asbestos.

One of the most notable presenters was Dr. Michael Harbut of the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers, a division of the esteemed Karmanos Cancer Institute. Harbut stressed the importance of early mesothelioma detection, emphasizing that catching the disease as soon as possible "helps people live longer and less painfully–and hopefully less tragically for the family." Harbut and a team of researchers recently discovered that certain indicative signs of mesothelioma can be detected in blood tests.

After Harbut presented, we heard from one of his success stories. Vietnam veteran Gary Stevens' treatment with Harbut enabled him to live a full life without the crippling effects of asbestos. Stevens said he vividly recalls his days on a navy ship where he would constantly see "crystal-like dust coming down from the pipes that would sparkle in the light," without realizing it was asbestos. He never even knew he was at risk for disease. Stevens visited Harbut's clinic in 1993, and spots were detected on his lungs in an x-ray. The early detection and treatment prevented dangerous fluid build-up and allowed Stevens to continue with a healthy, busy life.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s fourth annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference was met with overwhelming response this year. Registration has long been closed because the conference filled quickly, but the group is already advertising next year’s event. This year’s conference will officially begin in Detroit tomorrow, with a small reception the tonight. The conference runs through the 30th, concluding with a memorial and remembrance brunch.

The conference’s mission statement reads, “This international conference will provide education and outreach to affected families, employers, employees and scientists throughout the world as part of the ADAO's continuing efforts to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options. Prominent physicians, scientists, safety and health directors professionals and persons interested in asbestos will present current and up-to-date information regarding the status of asbestos in the United States, Canada and worldwide.”

The conference is held in preparation for National Asbestos Awareness day: April 1. The ADAO is selling awareness wristbands to educate the public that asbestos is still not banned.

To learn more about the conference visit the ADAO website, where you can also sign a petition and learn how to contact Congress about banning asbestos.