Clapboards
Clapboard is a construction material that is used as siding in homes and other frame based structures. The boards are designed to have one edge that is thicker than the other, so that they overlap when one is placed on top of another. So, the board that is hung above extends out slightly farther than the one beneath. This is done to provide extra insulation from outside elements such as wind, rain and snow.
For years clapboards included asbestos, a mineral that made the siding stronger and more weather resistant. The mineral is also able to slow the spread of fire, which made it ideal for siding. Boards that were specifically designed to actually stop fires were perfect for homes or any other structures, but these boards contained as many dangers as they prevented.
Despite its many benefits, asbestos was eventually banned by the United States government as it was discovered to cause mesothelioma. This action was not taken lightly, but it was necessary. Scientists who had been studying the properties of asbestos came to realize that it was a poisonous material. It consists of small fibers that can get into the respiratory system of humans and animals and do perilous amounts of damage. People who breathe in these particles often develop asbestosis or Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that sees few survivors. This is because there is a long latency period associated with the disease and is therefore rarely diagnosed at an early stage like stage 1 or stage 2. In addition there while mesothelioma prevention can be attained through the use of proper precautions around asbestos and/or getting the approved mesothelioma vaccine, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
Homes all over the country may still contain clapboards that were made with asbestos. New England residents may be at the greatest risk, as this building style was especially popular there. A piece of siding that is unbroken and completely intact poses no danger to anyone, but if the boards were to crack or break, the fibers within them could be released. To ensure safe living conditions, these clapboards were removed from hundreds of homes and replaced with other materials. No one other than a certified professional should ever attempt to remove siding or other asbestos products as it can be a very dangerous process if not done correctly.
Untold numbers of people were affected by products that contained asbestos. Personal injury claims were filed by the thousands throughout the 1970's and 1980's with the help of mesothelioma attorneys, and more are processed even now. The facts that the health conditions created by asbestos often take years to develop, and that there are still goods which contain the toxic mineral in use mean that there may be no end to the number of people who fall ill and seek legal recourses. You may be eligible for monetary compensation if you or a loved one were hurt by these products. Those who wish to find out more about their rights may do so by reading our informative brochure. It is available at no charge upon request.
Questions about working with clapboards and asbestos exposure? Please contact us.
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