Get ready to take action at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization's landmark event—the 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference! Happening on September 12 and 13 at the stunning Westin Grand Central hotel in New York City, this conference is a pivotal gathering of global experts focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of life-threatening asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.

Linda Reinstein, co-founder and president of ADAO, emphasizes the importance of this conference, stating, "This gathering is not just a forum; it's a beacon of knowledge aimed at advancing our understanding and preventing asbestos exposure. We’re here to make a difference!"

Mark your calendars for a profound start to this event: at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 12, attendees will participate in a candlelight vigil at the iconic World Trade Center Memorial. This poignant ceremony will honor those who tragically lost their lives due to 9/11-related asbestos exposure.

After the vigil, don't miss the awards and recognition ceremony, where public health leaders and tireless advocates will be celebrated for their dedication. Expect a special musical performance by Jordan Zevon, a passionate advocate for asbestos awareness.

A Focus on the 9/11 Health Crisis and Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy

This year's conference is especially significant, coinciding with the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. As the public health crisis from these events continues to affect brave first responders and recovery workers exposed to hazardous asbestos at Ground Zero, this event aims to shine a light on their struggles, including serious illnesses linked to asbestos exposure.

Reinstein stresses, "Our annual conference is a vital platform to share life-saving knowledge, honor those we've lost, and galvanize our efforts toward banning asbestos altogether." The theme for the 2025 conference is also noteworthy: "Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention, and Justice." Dr. Irving Selikoff, a pioneer in asbestos research, uncovered the shocking health impacts of asbestos exposure in the 1950s, which changed the course of public health policy.

What to Expect: Academic Session at Mount Sinai Hospital

On September 13, starting at 9 a.m. and running until 5 p.m., a comprehensive academic session at Mount Sinai Hospital will feature insights from leading medical professionals, scientists, legal experts, and advocates tackling a variety of crucial topics.

Expect to hear about groundbreaking advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related diseases, as well as discussions on holding companies accountable and advocating for a global asbestos ban.

2025 ADAO Conference Agenda

The session agenda promises to be insightful and impactful:

- **Session 1:** From Then to Now: Selikoff’s Vision and Our Journey Forward

- **Session 2:** Diagnosing and Treating Asbestos-Related Diseases

- **Session 3:** Prevention Is the Cure: Strategies for Exposure Reduction

- **Session 4:** Dr. Irving Selikoff, Paul Brodeur, and Beyond

- **Session 5:** Asbestos and the Law