Tester, Daines Bipartisan National Asbestos Awareness Week Resolution Passes Senate

Senators’ resolution to help raise awareness, teach Americans about the risks of asbestos exposure

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines’ National Asbestos Awareness Week resolution as a part of their continued effort to shine light on the dangers of asbestos exposure.

The Senators’ bipartisan resolution designates the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week,” and urges the Surgeon General to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health.

“Asbestos has a long, troubling history in Montana, and too many families continue to suffer from exposure to this toxic substance,” said Tester. “It’s past time we outlaw the use of asbestos, but as we continue cleanup efforts in places like Lincoln County, it’s critical that we arm folks with the most up to date information possible so that we keep people safe, and make asbestos exposure a thing of the past.”

“We must continue to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and help promote the health and well-being of Montanans across our great state,” said Daines.

Since W.R. Grace closed its Libby vermiculite mine in 1990, more than 200 residents have died and thousands more are still 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.

“On behalf of ADAO, we are incredibly grateful to Senator Jon Tester and the five original cosponsors for introducing the 17th ‘National Asbestos Awareness Week’ Resolution,” said Linda Reinstein, ADAO Cofounder. “This bipartisan resolution reaffirms Congressional support for the awareness and prevention of diseases in the US and around the world. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, claims the lives of over 40,000 Americans every year, yet imports and use continue. There is no safe level of exposure, but most Americans don’t know where asbestos might be in homes, schools, workplaces, or on consumer shelves. Prevention remains the only cure.”

The full text of Tester and Daines’ resolution is available HERE.