MARF Supports Ban Asbestos Act 2007
The Honorable Patty Murray
Chair, Employment and Workplace Safety Subcommittee
US Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
428 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Murray:
We, as organizations representing and advocating for those most impacted by the toxic effects of asbestos - the patients and families, strongly endorse the "Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007", and commend you for your leadership in introducing this legislation.
The incorporation of asbestos into our modern environment since the early 1900's has caused an epidemic of death and suffering from otherwise preventable disease. Yet, even though the toxic effects of asbestos have been known for decades, and even though most other industrial countries have now banned it, asbestos is still legal in the U.S., and still used in thousands of products. Your bill, if passed, would take the courageous step of finally banning asbestos in the U.S, and so prevent more asbestos from entering our environment and sickening continuing generations.
The bill also addresses the most fundamental needs of all those who are now sick, and those who will become sick as a result of asbestos exposures that have already occurred or that will inevitably occur given the virtual ubiquity of asbestos in our environment. Their only hope is effective treatment. We are therefore extremely grateful that your bill also provides for increased public education on, and research to develop effective treatments for, asbestos related diseases.
We appreciate all your hard work the past five years to ban asbestos and protect American workers and their families. Each year that passage of your bill has been delayed, we have seen asbestos inflict more suffering and loss on our heroes and loved ones. We pledge to support your effort to end this suffering, and we call on Congress to enact your legislation without further delay.
Sincerely,
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Christopher E. Hahn, Executive Director
chahn@curemeso.org, (805) 563.8400
New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health
Jonathan Bennett, Public Affairs Director
jbennett@nycosh.org, (212) 627-3900 x 14
White Lung Association
Jim Fite, National Secretary
jfite@ix.netcom.com, 410-243-5864
International Ban Asbestos Secretariat
Laurie Kazan - Allen,
laurie@lkaz.demon.co.uk, 44-20-8958-3887
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
Linda Reinstein, Executive Director
Linda@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org (310) 437-3886
Environmental Information Association
Brent Kynoch,
bkynoch@eia-usa.org, (301) 961-4999 x 301
Lincoln County Asbestos Victims' Relief Organization
Gayla Benefield,
gaylab@libby.org, (406) 293-5535
Pacific Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Jessica Like, Executive Director
info@phlbi.org, (310) 622-4960
