Congressman Cohen to Hold Briefing on the Need for Tougher Asbestos Consumer Protections

WASHINGTON--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will host a briefing tomorrow featuring the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization on the need for stronger consumer protections against the use of asbestos.

As part of the briefing, Congressman Cohen will unveil a resolution to designate the first week in April, 2010, “Asbestos Awareness Week.”

Over 10,000 Americans die every year from exposure to asbestos and it is projected that over the next decade asbestos diseases will kill at least 100,000 Americans. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, lung and gastrointestinal cancers, and Mesothelioma, all of which are difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, and are often incurable and frequently deadly. Congressman Cohen’s friend, Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Warren Zevon, was a victim of Mesothelioma.

The United States and Canada are the last two industrial nations that HAVE NOT imposed a ban on asbestos. More than 50 countries have banned asbestos as of January 2010.

WHO:	Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
	Representatives of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
WHAT:	Briefing on the need for tougher consumer protections against asbestos, and the unveiling of a congressional resolution designating the first week in April, “Asbestos Awareness Week.”
WHERE:	2226 Rayburn House Office Building
WHEN:	Thursday, March 4, 2010
	12:45 p.m.