The Drexel School of Public Health hosted the 3rd Annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference on March 30 and April 1, 2007. During the weekend conference, leaders from around the globe dealt with how to better prevent asbestos exposure in homes, schools, hospital and workplaces, as well as ways to more effectively detect and treat asbestos-related diseases. Asbestosis sufferers and family members also attended the conference.
The event was organized by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) , and co-sponsored by the Drexel University School of Public Health and the London-based International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS).
"Many Americans think that asbestos has vanished. But, it’s still used in pipes, brake linings, vinyl tile and other products. We haven’t banned it. We have transferred the manufacturing overseas," said Dr. Arthur L. Frank, who is an international expert on the impacts of asbestos and a professor/department chair at the Drexel University School of Public Health.
"The American public is largely unaware of the continued risk. In fact, mesothelioma kills far more people in the Philadelphia area than the national average," continued Dr. Frank.
With National Asbestos Awareness Day on April 1, the conference was more than just workshops. Dr. Peter Orris, representing the World Health Organization, gave the keynote address about the asbestos policy paper and global strategy for education, enforcement and treatment. Dr. Orris is a professor and associate director of the Great Lakes Center for Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health of the University of Illinois School of Public Health (a World Health Organization Collaborating Center).
In addition, Jordan Zevon, the son of music legend Warren Zevon and the national spokesperson for ADAO, performed at the conference and the 2007 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Asbestos Awareness Day honors were awarded to:
· United States Senator Patty Murray, Tribute of Hope
· Dr. Michael Harbut, Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
· Patrick Martin, Member of Canadian Parliament, Tribute of Unity Award
· Survivor Paul Zygielbaum and Michelle Zygielbaum, Tribute of Inspiration Award
· Les Skramstad, honored posthumously, Alan Reinstein Memorial Award
Asbestos Awareness Day was established as an opportunity to recognize accomplishments, remember and honor loved ones and increase awareness about the dangers of asbestos.
Dr. Frank is the chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Drexel School of Public Health. He travels the world conducting research and raising awareness on the use and impacts of asbestos and other hazardous materials. Dr. Frank received his M.D. degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and his Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the City University of New York. He was trained in both internal medicine and occupational medicine and holds board certification in both fields. As a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service, he conducted research at the National Cancer Institute. His major research activities have included the study of occupational lung diseases such as: asbestosis and silicosis; occupational cancers (especially those related to asbestos exposure); and he has worked in the area of agricultural safety and health.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims, their families and concerned citizens in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information, visit www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org.
UPDATE: On Monday, April 9, NBC Nightly News broadcast a related report on US Capitol tunnel workers with asbestos-related lung disease. The report featured Dr. Michael Harbut and John Thayer, both of whom gave presentations at the ADAO Conference.