For Immediate Release:
May 13, 2011
Statement from the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Regarding International Joint Opposition Letter to Zimbabwean Government on Re-Opening of Asbestos Mines
Global Effort to Protect Public Health
Redondo Beach, CA … May 13, 2011 — The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) issued the following statement today from ADAO President/CEO and Co-Founder Linda Reinstein:
“ADAO shares the horror of other asbestos victims groups, doctors, engineers, scientists, labour leaders, and public health organizations at the Zimbabwean government’s announcement to craft a revival plan for the Shabanie and Mashaba asbestos mines. ADAO joined forces with over 40 associations, institutions, and organizations from across the globe to send an urgent opposition letter to leaders within Zimbabwe spearheading this effort.
The letter states:
‘Your government’s announcement echoes recent attempts to reopen the Jeffery asbestos mine in Canada. The only support for this reprehensible and retrogressive action is from those who work for and with the asbestos industry. National and international medical and health authorities and concerned citizens around the world have long stood up in opposition to this mine project, and groups such as ours pledge a relentless commitment to a global ban of asbestos.
The time is now – as you rebuild Zimbabwe – to embrace a policy that protects public health. The Zimbabwean government has the opportunity, the moral responsibility and the duty to end the deadly asbestos legacy. We understand that asbestos is a sensitive political and economic issue and that your government might be tempted by expected profits. But the short and long term effects of pursuing this strategy are simply not worth the cost to humanity, as people will be exposed to this deadly carcinogen and will die as a result.
Global borders are indistinguishable and the world is watching you make history through your local and international decisions. For the sake of humanity, we urge you not to reopen the Shabanie and Mashaba asbestos mines and, instead, to prevent the painful disabilities and deaths of thousands of innocent people around the world.’
Efforts have been long underway to rid Zimbabwe of asbestos – including a large protest dating back to 1974 calling for an end to imports. To consider re-opening mines now is unconscionable. ADAO is hopeful that the joint letter will have a significant impact on the decision of the Zimbabwean government to do the right thing and help foster an asbestos-free environment in that nation.
The World Health Organization, The Environmental Protection Agency, International Labour Organization, and U.S. Surgeon General agree: all forms of asbestos are carcinogenic and there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.”
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View the three different petition letters sent:
- His Excellency Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe
- The Honorable Prime Minister Morgan Richard Tsvangirai
- The Honorable Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Gift Chimanikire
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About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is an independent global organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy and community. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Media Contact:
Doug Larkin
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Phone: (202) 391-1546