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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. 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. Both are types of cancer, and they can be killers.
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 based 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, 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.