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The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will hold its 7th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on April 1-3. The conference titled Asbestos: Impact on Public Health, Environment, and the Economy will have presentations on asbestos exposure issues, asbestos detection and treatment, environmental and economic impact, national and global policy. Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma cancer invades the mesothelium ā the lining of tissue that surround vital organs. The most common is pleural mesothelioma or cancer of the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma also attacks the lining of either the heart, abdomen, or testicles. Symptoms of mesothelioma generally occur approximately 20 to 30 years after the asbestos exposure and include shortness of breath, chest pain and a persistent cough. In most instances, mesothelioma is diagnosed in the advanced stages leaving the victim with 8 months to 18 months to live. Mesothelioma is treated with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation in an effort to extend the patientās life.
The ADAO conference brings will feature presentations on advanced medical, occupational and environmental asbestos exposure as well as disease prevention and treatment. Speakers include physicians, safety professionals, public health advocates, patients and families.
The 2011 ADAO Asbestos Awareness Day Keynote Speakers include Dr. Linda Murray, President of American Public Health Association and Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson. The 2011 ADAO Honorees include:
- U.S. Sen. Baucus of Montana will be presented with the Tribute of Hope Award for his steadfast commitment and determination to ban asbestos.
- Ron Cyrus will be honored posthumously with the Warren Zevon āKeep me in Your Heartā Memorial Tribute for his countless years of public service as a legislator, labor leader, and public servant.
- Guadalupe Aguilar Madrid, M.D. will be recognized with the Dr. Irving Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her dedicated research on the social and medical impact of asbestos on humankind in Mexico and around the world.
- Sugio Furuya will be presented with the Tribute of Inspiration Award for being a bridge of hope and strength to victims of asbestos exposure in Asia and across the globe.
- Julie Gundlach, a mesothelioma patient, will be recognized with the Alan Reinstein Award for her commitment to education, advocacy, and support to countless patients and families.
The ADAO was created by asbestos victims and their families in 2004 and seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. The ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation.
