Whereas , Human use of asbestos in the building industry and in building products are the main causes of mesothelioma; and,

Whereas , The heavy use of asbestos in manufacturing, industry, and construction has been recognized as "the worst occupational health disaster in U.S. history"; and,

Whereas , Asbestos was used in the construction of virtually all office buildings, public schools, and homes built before 1975; and,

Whereas , A high percentage of all mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos on naval ships and in shipyards; and,

Whereas , Exposure to asbestos for as little as one month can result in mesothelioma 30 years later; and,

Whereas , For decades the need for research to develop effective treatments for mesothelioma was overlooked; and,

Whereas , The result of this neglect is that treatments available today generally have only limited effect and most patients succumb within only 12 to 15 months from diagnosis; and,

Whereas , In 1999, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation was formed to eradicate the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma; and early progress in developing effective treatments for the disease is now being made; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 26, 2008, as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Michigan.