Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2026 begins today.
Between Tuesday, April 1 to Thursday April 7, marking the 22nd annual international campaign led by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) to raise awareness of asbestos risks and promote prevention.
The initiative brings together scientists, public health leaders, labour organisations, policymakers and affected families to share information and advance measures to reduce exposure.
International collaboration to reduce asbestos exposure
Materials will be distributed in multiple languages, including English, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian, expanding global access to education on asbestos hazards.
Asbestos remains a known human carcinogen with no safe level of exposure.
Although banned in more than 70 countries, it remains legal in the United States.
Each year, more than 40,000 Americans die from asbestos related diseases, while global deaths exceed 200,000 annually.
Awareness campaign activities and themes
Throughout the week, ADAO will collaborate with organisations including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)to deliver educational resources, expert insights and personal accounts of asbestos related illness.
The campaign concludes with a Virtual Candlelight Vigil to honour those affected.
Daily themes for 2026 include prevention, global health impacts, advocacy, legal action, worker protection and the role of technology in reducing exposure.
IOSH will partner with ADAO on day six to highlight prevention efforts.
Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, said: “Asbestos remains one of the most significant and persistent occupational health hazards in the world, which is why IOSH proudly continues to support Global Asbestos Awareness Week.”
Industry response and policy focus
The campaign continues to expand through international partnerships and digital tools aimed at improving awareness and prevention.
ADAO’s ongoing work focuses on education, advocacy and policy development, including support for legislative measures such as the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act in the US.
Linda Reinstein, President and CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and co-founder of the international campaign, said: “More than two decades after we launched Global Asbestos Awareness Week, the message remains clear.
“Asbestos exposure is preventable, and prevention saves lives.
“By sharing trusted science, elevating the voices of those affected, and advancing policy solutions such as the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN), we can protect workers, families, and future generations from this entirely preventable disease.”
“Asbestos remains one of the world’s deadliest occupational and environmental carcinogens. More than 200,000 people around the world die each year from asbestos-related diseases, yet exposure continues in many countries.
“Global Asbestos Awareness Week reminds us that prevention is possible and that eliminating asbestos use is essential to protecting public health.”
Upcoming industry event
Later this month, BOHS and the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM) will be hosting the Asbestos 2026 Conference, taking place on Wednesday, April 29 and Thursday, April 30 in Birmingham.
