Flex Board
Flex board is a commonly used product in the construction industry and is part of all kinds of structures like residential homes and office buildings. As the name suggests, it is a flexible material that can form curves and odd shapes that more rigid materials cannot. For years, flex board was made using asbestos.
Asbestos is a very toxic mineral that is responsible for many serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, a form of cancer. Asbestos was used because of its ability to resist fire, heat, and corrosion. Even though the fibers in asbestos are thin, they are virtually indestructible and can lodge permanently in the lungs. After many years, these fiber can damage the DNA of cells in the surrounding tissue, causing them to become cancerous.
Anyone who worked in the construction industry handling flex board from the 1940s up until the mid-1970s could very well have been exposed to asbestos on a daily basis and may develop a disease related to asbestos. Even people with relatively minor exposure have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, just because someone worked around flex board made with asbestos does not mean that they will contract the disease. The disease can take decades to develop and anyone who develops symptoms should see a doctor right away.
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