(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester are raising awareness about the devastating impacts of asbestos on communities and families by designating the first week of April as National Asbestos Awareness Week.
Tester and Daines are calling on the U.S. Surgeon General to warn and educate the public about asbestos exposure.
“By continuing to raise awareness about the deadly effects of asbestos we can prevent future widespread issues in communities across the country,” Daines stated. “We can never be too educated about asbestos and its terrible effects to guard against them and ensure the folks in Libby know they have our support.”
“Too many folks have suffered and lost their lives to asbestos poisoning, and it’s our responsibility to make sure Montanans and all Americans understand its risks,” said Tester. “Asbestos has led to tragedy in communities like Libby and Troy. By making education and awareness a priority, we can protect our families from these life-threatening diseases.”
While it can take between 10-50 years to experience symptoms from asbestos-related diseases, exposure continues to kill thousands of people each year across the United States. Some 400 Montanans have died from asbestos dust exposure caused by W.R. Grace & Company’s now-defunct vermiculite mine in Libby.
The resolution is supported by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.
“We applaud Senator Tester and the cosponsors for shining a light on the continuing dangers of asbestos exposure. Asbestos caused diseases are 100% preventable, but too many Americans are in the dark about their own risk,” said Linda Reinstein of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “Having strong Congressional champions promoting awareness is crucial as we work toward a federal ban on this known carcinogen.”
The National Asbestos Awareness Week resolution is available HERE.
###