Washington, D.C. – Several public interest groups have formed a coalition to urge lawmakers to make public health the top priority as Congress debates legislation to address the serious shortfalls of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. The coalition, RealTSCAReform.org, was formed by Linda Reinstein, president and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. EWG Action Fund, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and Trevor’s[…]
From the blog
Senators Seek Answers Regarding Asbestos in Nation’s Schools
WASHINGTON – EWG Action Fund supports Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) in their effort to find out how states and schools across the U.S. have implemented a 1986 law designed to protect students, teachers and other school employees from the dangers of asbestos. In letters sent yesterday[…]
Proposal Aims to Help Americans Spot Asbestos Products
March 10, 2015 Washington, D.C. – Legislation introduced today by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill) would set up a federal online database of information about products that contain asbestos and where those items are likely to be found. The Reducing Exposure to Asbestos Database (READ) Act (S. 700) would require all those who[…]
Lethal and Still Legal: Asbestos Flows into U.S. Ports
New National Campaign to Raise Awareness of Continuing Threats from Asbestos March 10, 2015 Washington, D.C. – Many Americans believe asbestos was banned decades ago. But the deadly substance remains legal, with more than 8 million pounds entering U.S. ports since 2006, according to an analysis of federal trade data released today by[…]
New Congress Aligns with Asbestos Industry
Pushes for Bill on World Cancer Day that Denies Justice for Victims Contact: Monica Amarelo (202) 667-6982 press@ewgactionfund.com For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 4, 2015 WASHINGTON – World Cancer Day should serve as a reminder that asbestos can cause cancer and kill. Instead, the new Congress today underscored how tone deaf[…]
FACT Act Favors Asbestos Industry Over Justice, Public Health
Would waste assets meant to help victims, invade privacy and delay compensation Contact: Monica Amarelo (202) 667-6982 press@ewgactionfund.com For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 WASHINGTON — Legislation re-introduced by Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, would place new burdens on asbestos bankruptcy trusts, slowing compensation to victims suffering from fatal asbestos-related diseases[…]
Lung cancer is more than a smokers’ disease
The world seems to turn pink each October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but little recognition is given to the month that follows. November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, intended to educate the public about the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United[…]
Immunotherapy brings new treatment options to mesothelioma patients
Named breakthrough of the year by Science Magazine in 2013, immunotherapy is a new option for treating cancer, but not without speculation and concern. This new treatment is limited to a few types of cancers, but the remarkable results found from clinical trial data shows promise for the future. Immunotherapy[…]
Asbestos threat looms in Pennsylvania community
Ambler, Pennsylvania, is a small town near Philadelphia. Like other towns in the United States, it carries a deadly burden and legacy. The historic town, originally called Wissahickon for the railroad depot, served as stop on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. Soon after being renamed to Ambler, the industry that would[…]
Asbestos in schools creates deadly risks for children
Asbestos is a deadly fiber that was once considered a miracle mineral for its insulating and fireproofing abilities. After many decades of use, the public became aware of long-hidden facts – asbestos is a cancer-causing agent. Countries began banning or monitoring the mining and use of asbestos in an attempt[…]