October 10, 2007
The Honorable Patty Murray
United States Senate - Washington
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Barbara Boxer
Chair, Committee on Environment and Public Works
United States Senate - California
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Murray and Madam Chairwoman:
With recent passage of S. 742, The Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007, the United States Senate took a unanimous stand to protect the public against exposure to one of the world’s most toxic substances. Your leadership has generated a milestone in chemicals safety policy, which will prevent thousands of Americans from illness for decades to come. We are writing to thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of asbestos victims in the past and potential asbestos victims of the future.
As you know, asbestos has been the cause of at least 10,000 American deaths a year, taking parents and children away from families in every part of the country. The Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 takes serious steps to remove this known carcinogen from our environment, limiting our exposure to a chemical that continues to be used in scores of products, despite the fact that no amount of asbestos is safe to breathe.
Under your leadership, the Senate has spoken with one voice, passing landmark legislation that brings us one step closer to the day when families no longer need to worry about exposure to this dangerous chemical. The Environmental Working Group is proud to have fought by your side and applauds your commitment to protecting the health of Americans for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Richard Wiles
Executive Director
