Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Issues Statement of Warning Regarding Asbestos Exposure During July 18 Explosion in New York

Amount of Asbestos Released Unknown; Short Term Exposure Also Poses Risk

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an organization dedicated to serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Linda Reinstein on the potential dangers of asbestos exposure following the July 18 steam pipe explosion in Manhattan.

“It is unconscionable that, according to early news reports, officials are claiming that asbestos released into the air from yesterday’s explosion in Manhattan poses no known risk to affected individuals. While it may be true that disease is ‘unlikely’ to occur from such an episode, it is never correct to characterize any level of asbestos as safe. It has been well established that there is no safe level of asbestos. We are seeing from the unfortunate residual effects of 9-11, even short term exposure to asbestos can cause significant health problems.

It is imperative that we continue to educate the public about the continuing risks associated with the asbestos fiber. This is not said to cause unnecessary fear, but, rather, to ensure that the facts are set straight so that lives may be saved. The kind of incident that occurred yesterday demands proper clean up procedures and safety precautions, using the best our science has to offer for those near the explosion site to avoid potential health complications months or years from now – including deadly asbestos related diseases. The steam pipe explosion clearly shows that the approach of Sen. Patty Murray in banning asbestos in the USA, as has been done in dozens of countries in the world, is the best approach to protect now, and in the future, the health of Americans.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) states 100,000 workers die every year due to diseases related to asbestos exposure and the numbers are unfortunately growing. It is our hope that New York officials will take the proper measures to ensure the safety of its citizens following this unfortunate incident. Asbestos has not been banned in our country and this kind of emergency reaffirms the immediate need to do so.”

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, and raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.