U.S. Senate –U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester are teaming up to push a Senate resolution designating the first week of April 2021 as National Asbestos Awareness Week.
“Too many Montanans have tragically suffered at the hands of asbestos,” Daines said. “We must continue to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, and prevent what happened in Libby and Troy from occurring again. We need to work together to protect the health of Montanans across the state and shed a light on the serious medical implications of asbestos exposure.”
“Montanans know all too well the dangers of asbestos, but tragically, exposure to this dangerous substance is still far too common,” Tester said. “As cleanup continues in Libby and Troy, this resolution will help ensure more folks know about the risks of asbestos exposure, and ensure they’re armed with the information they need to protect themselves from it.”
This is part of their efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, and urge the U.S. Surgeon General to teach Americans about the risks of asbestos exposure.
Since W.R. Grace closed its Libby vermiculite mine in 1990, more than 200 residents have died and thousands more are suffering from asbestos-related diseases. Clean up efforts began in 2002 when Libby, Troy, and surrounding communities were placed on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List.
It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to develop symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, which continue to kill thousands of Americans each year.
“For the sixteenth year in a row, the Senate has taken an important stand for public health. We are immensely grateful to Senator Tester and the five original cosponsors for the introduction of the Resolution,” said Linda Reinstein, co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “Each year, 40,000 Americans die from preventable asbestos-caused diseases while imports and use continue. Undoubtedly, the Resolution’s momentum and U.S. Surgeon General’s asbestos warning will raise awareness and increase prevention efforts.”
The full text of Daines and Tester’s resolution is available HERE.