Does drywall or "sheetrock" contain asbestos?

This article explains where asbestos is likely to be found in gypsum board or drywall systems, particularly in the taping compound and in skim coats using drywall "mud" that contained asbestos.

We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

Asbestos content in Drywall, wallboard or "Sheetrock" or gypsum board & in joint compound

Modern drywall and taping compound do not contain asbestos. However that was not always the case, as we detail here. If drywall or gypsum board or "Sheetrock®" was installed in your building in North America between the late 1920s and 1980 it is possible that the drywall or the joint compound used on the drywall contains asbestos.

Not all drywall sold during those years contains asbestos, and it's less commonly-found in residential applications.

Keep in mind that asbestos is not like a "radioactive" substance. It is not harmful if it is covered and /or otherwise left un-disturbed. Avoid creating a dusty mess.

Excerpting from our master list of asbestos-containing products, ASBESTOS LIST of PRODUCTS we report the following example of evidence of the use of asbestos in drywall or gypsum board.

Principally you'll find that references to asbestos in a drywall system focus on asbestos that was contained in joint compound or in some paint or spray products such as "popcorn ceiling paint" that may have been sprayed on drywall ceilings.

Keep in mind that asbestos-containing joint compound may have been applied not only up to 18" wide over drywall joints but also in patches, repairs, around penetrations or fixtures, and in some buildings as a skim coat over an entire wall or ceiling surface.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Drywall systems that may contain asbestos - at least in finishes, taping joint compounds, skim coats, or in systems that applied plaster over gypsum board date from about 1910 through the early 1980's in North America (1982 in Canada).

Taping drywall joints dates from as early as the 1920's. Asbestos-use in plaster overlaps this period.

In Canada most provinces classify the asbestos hazard associated with drywall removal as a "low risk or type 1" hazard requiring normal dust control. (Pinchin 2011). The U.S. advice is typified by the U.S. EPA quotes included in the citation below.

Asbestos Content in Joint Compound or Drywall "Mud"

Drywall or "joint compound" asbestos content: on older buildings may contain asbestos fibers. Asbestos was [probably] universally used in drywall joint compound prior to the early 1980's.

In joint compound the asbestos content varied but typically was between 3-6%.

Even if the gypsum board itself did not contain asbestos this means that by weight the asbestos content of the wall system was about 0.25%. (Redmond 2011), "Sheetrock mud" is a synonym for drywall compound or joint compound that before 1978 may have contained asbestos fibers.

Question: what kinds of asbestos were used in drywall joint compound: Chrysotile or Amphibole?

2016/06/14, Anonymous said:

What variety of asbestos was used in drywall, Crysotile or amphibole?

Reply: Primarily Chrisotile Asbestos but Amphibole Asbestos may also be present in drywall compound

Both Chrysotile and Amphibole asbestos were the first and second most-widely used forms of asbestos used in many building products. In drywall compound from what I've found, Crysotile was used, but Amphibole was also present.

Until the mid–1970s, however, some joint compounds contained chrysotile asbestos as a filler in the range of 5–15% by weight.(1,5) Amphibole mineral fragments, most commonly in the tremolite series, were reported as sometimes present in concentrations of 2–12%, likely as a contaminant in the chrysotile or talc, ...

... Published historical data on amphibole mineral contaminants in joint compound, however, do not provide sufficient information to conclude that the minerals were amphibole asbestiform fibers and not elongate tremolite cleavage fragments.

Until the characteristics of the mineral being studied are clearly determined, there will be confusion as to the biological effect of asbestos and non-asbestos amphibole minerals.

Exposure monitoring in the 1970s reported peak asbestos fiber concentrations (as total fibers) in excess of the then Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 5 fibers longer than 5 μm per cc (5 f/cc) during the mixing of dry-mix joint compound with water,(9) sanding of joint compound, and clean-up activities. - (Boelter 2015)

And

Asbestos minerals are divided into two major groups: Serpentine asbestos and amphibole asbestos. Serpentine asbestos includes the mineral chrysotile, which has long, curly fibers that can be woven.

Chrysotile asbestos is the form that has been used most widely in commercial applications.

Amphibole asbestos includes the minerals actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and amosite. Amphibole asbestos has straight, needle-like fibers that are more brittle than those of serpentine asbestos and are more limited in their ability to be fabricated. - (US NIH Cancer Institute 2022)

What is the Actual Level of Asbestos Found in Joint Compound or Drywall Systems?

Drywall or "joint compound" asbestos content: on older buildings may contain asbestos fibers. Asbestos was universally used in drywall joint compound prior to the early 1980's. In joint compound the asbestos content varied but typically was between 3-6%.

Plaster disclosure research often helps identify products that contained asbestos even though some disclosures do not give percentages of asbestos in the product mix.

For example, Kaiser Gypsum Company, Inc. produced joint compound in at least three product lines that may have contained asbestos including Kaiser Gypsum Joint Compound and Kaiser One-Day Joint Compound produced between 1953 and 1975, Kaiser Dual Purpose Joint Compound (un-dated) and Kaiser "Hard Top" insulating cement produced between 1964 and 1972.

Refractory cement used in heating boilers and possibly in some fireplaces in the form of a cementious plaster may also have contained asbestos.\

Note that many of these drywall and joint compound producers also produced products specifically identified as "asbestos free", such as US Gypsum's asbestos-free joint compound patented in 1975 and cited below.

Even if the gypsum board itself did not contain asbestos this means that by weight the asbestos content of the wall system was about 0.25%. (Redmond 2011), "Sheetrock mud" is a synonym for drywall compound or joint compound that before 1978 may have contained asbestos fibers.

• Asbestos in Joint Compound, Bondex: [Note that asbestos was commonly used in other brands of joint compound as well.]
  
  Bondex manufactured a joint compound that was commonly used on construction sites during the installation of drywall. From 1961 to 1977, Bondex joint compound contained asbestos.
  
  - retrieved 15 June 2015 original source: www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=54841 [LOIS J. WAGNER, ROBIN G. ) WAGNER and WENDE L. WAGNER, ) Individually and as Wrongful Death ) Beneficiaries of ROBERT WAGNER, ) ) Appellant-Respondent, ) ) WD72474 (Consolidated with WD72482 v. ) and WD72619) ) BONDEX INTERNATIONAL, INC., and ) Opinion filed: June 19, 2012 SIMPSON TIMBER COMPANY, ) ) Respondent-Appellant, ) ) CONWED CORPORATION, ) ) Defendant. ) APPEAL FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CLAY COUNTY, MISSOURI The Honorable Kathryn E. Davis, Judge Before Division Four: Lisa White Hardwick, Chief Judge, Presiding, Joseph M. Ellis, Judge and Victor C. Howard, Judge]
• ASBESTOS CONTAINING COMPOUND in WALLBOARD [PDF] (2000) Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, WISHA, WISHA Policy & Technical Services at P.O. Box 44648 USA, Tel: (360)902-5503. DOSH Website (www.lni.wa.gov/Safety-health/). - retrieved 2021/03/24 original source: www.lni.wa.gov/dA/fe0b92a166/WRD2330.pdf
  Notes from this document:
  
  The level of asbestos in drywall ranges from none to just a few percent
  and
  the level of asbestos used in joint compound was also zero to about 5 percent by weight.
  
• Brorby, G. P., P. J. Sheehan, D. W. Berman, J. F. Greene, and S. E. Holm. "Re-creation of historical chrysotile-containing joint compounds." Inhalation toxicology 20, no. 11 (2008): 1043-1053.
  Abstract
  
  Chrysotile-containing joint compound was commonly used in construction of residential and commercial buildings through the mid 1970s; however, these products have not been manufactured in the United States for more than 30 years. Little is known about actual human exposures to chrysotile fibers that may have resulted from use of chrysotile-containing joint compounds, because few exposure and no health-effects studies have been conducted specifically with these products.
  
  Because limited amounts of historical joint compounds are available (and the stability or representativeness of aged products is suspect), it is currently impossible to conduct meaningful studies to better understand the nature and magnitude of potential exposures to chrysotile that may have been associated with historical use of these products.
  
  Therefore, to support specific exposure and toxicology research activities, two types of chrysotile-containing joint compounds were produced according to original formulations from the late 1960s. To the extent possible, ingredients were the same as those used originally, with many obtained from the original suppliers.
  
  The chrysotile used historically in these products was primarily Grade 7RF9 from the Philip Carey mine. Because this mine is closed, a suitable alternate was identified by comparing the sizes and mineral composition of asbestos structures in a sample of what has been represented to be historical joint compound (all of which were chrysotile) to those in samples of three currently commercially available Grade 7 chrysotile products.
  
  The re-created materials generally conformed to original product specifications (e.g. viscosity, workability, crack resistance), indicating that these materials are sufficiently representative of the original products to support research activities.
• Dahlgren, James, and Trevor Peckham. "Mesothelioma associated with use of drywall joint compound: a case series and review of literature." International journal of occupational and environmental health 18, no. 4 (2012): 337-343
• Earl, Maynard, and Mitchell P. Ptasienski. "Substantially dry joint compound comprising calcium sulfate, polyvinyl acetate and starch." U.S. Patent 3,297,601, issued January 10, 1967. Original assignee, United States Gypsum Co.
  
  Excerpt: Casein or certain refined soya proteins solubilized in water by alkaline materials are used extensively for this purpose.
  
  When properly blended with fillers such as ground asbestos, mica, clays and limestone and perhaps preservatives and thickening agents such as natural gums, a joint compound is obtained which is capable of binding the joint tapes in place and providing a smooth surface.
• Henkel, William W. "Method of plastering wall surfaces and joint sealing compound used therein." U.S. Patent 3,382,119, issued May 7, 1968. Original assignee: Valspar Corporation, a North American manufacturer of paints & coatings since 1806.
  
  Excerpt: The joint compound was made up in a quantity of 2500 /2 lbs. as follows (dry basis): 2100 lbs. No. 3 Whiting calcium carbonate obtained from Thomson Weinman & Co., 180 lbs. Mineralite M260 mica from Mineralite Sales Corp, 98 lbs. of #7RF-l0 asbestos from Carey- Canadian Mines Ltd. and 25 lbs. of Mistron Monomix Talc from Sierra Talc Co., were mixed to provide the filler. 57 lbs.
  
  Gelva Powder 702 (polyvinyl acetate) from Shawinigan Resin Corp, and 19 lbs. #2030 BP (polyvinyl alcohol) from Shawinigan were mixed to provide the binder. The adjuvant included 14 lbs. of #4000 HG- 65 Methocel obtained from Dow Chemical Co., and 5% lbs. potassium tripolyphosphate from Kraft Chemical and 1% lbs. anhydrous sodium acetate was obtained from Kraft Chemical Co. ...
  
  I find that to achieve the advantageous integration of the joint cement with the gypsum panels, the characteristic of the filler should follow that of the optimum formulation set forth above, particularly relative to mica and asbestos.
  
  This is helpful not only in the plastering procedure set forth in the above example, but, also in the dry wall operation where crackless joints are mandatory. For the asbestos, I find the fiber should be of such a length (dry) as to have slightly under 50% retained on a 35 mesh Tyler sieve.
  
  The actual distribution of asbestos fibers in this drywall product was as given in Table I below:
  
  Table I Mesh size Percentage retained 14 Trace 28 2.0 35 40.0 100 35.0 200 1.5 Pan 16.5
  
  The bulk density of the asbestos fibers was about 10.5 lbs. per cubic foot and the wet volume (settling rate for fibers of a given weight and a given quantity of water) was two hours for 10 grams in 500 cc. of water and four hours for 50 grams in 2000 cc. of water.
  
  The absorbability of the asbestos was determined in a number of ways to characterize the optimum formulation.
• Raffaelli, Albert F., and Paul W. Tillisch. "Joint structure for plasterboard." U.S. Patent 3,180,058, issued April 27, 1965.
  
  Excerpt: In the production of the indentations a plasterboard calcined gypsum, such slurry being understood to contain any desired additive or modifying ingredient such as starch, expanded perlite, vermiculite, asbestos, sawdust, glass or paper fibers, an accelerator such as K 50 or a retarder such as partially hydrolyzed protein, and any other desired ingredient.
• Redmond, David, "Summary of recent research about the risks of removing asbestos-containing drywall joint compound during residential renovation", [PDF] (2011), retrieved 2015/12/10, original source: http://www.chba.ca/uploads/CRC/ACDJC%20Presentation%20-%20October%202011.pdf
  
  The author refers to asbestos containing drywall joint compound as ACDJC and notes that it contains chrysotile asbestos. He asserts that the asbestos hazards from ACDJC are mitigated by noting that the asbestos form was chrysotile asbestos, a less dangerous form of asbestos (amphibole asbestos is more dangerous and was less widely used in building products).
• Rohl, A. N., A. M. Langer, I. J. Selikoff, and W. J. Nicholson. "Exposure to asbestos in the use of consumer spackling, patching, and taping compounds." Science 189, no. 4202 (1975): 551-553.
  Abstract:
  
  Analysis of representative samples of spackling, patching, and jointing compounds, purchased at retail stores in the New York City area, has shown that some contain asbestos minerals as well as other biologically active substances.
  
  Measurements suggest that home repair work involving the use of such materials may result in exposure to dust at concentrations sufficient to produce disease.
• Simmons, Catherine E., Rachael M. Jones, and Fred W. Boelter. "Factors influencing dust exposure: finishing activities in drywall construction." Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene 8, no. 5 (2011): 324-336.
• Williams, Terrance L. "Asbestos-free joint compounds." U.S. Patent RE29,753, issued September 5, 1978. United States Gypsum Company, assignee.
• Williams, Terrance L., "Asbestos-free joint compounds." U.S. Patent 3,891,453, issued June 24, 1975. Original Assignee: United States Gypsum.
  Excerpt:
  
  A joint compound which is preferably asbestos-free, for use in finishing joints between wallboards, comprising a filler, a binder, and any two or all three of a water-holding agent; a slip-inducing colloid; and a non-swelling clay having sufficient pseudoplasticity to render the composition non-leveling.

Research Documenting the Asbestos Content in Joint Compound & Gypsum Board or Drywall Finish Systems

At above/left, a Gypsolite wallboard advertisement from 1926. Gypsolite, first mentioned in building products in 1888, is currently a registered trademark of National Gypsum and is discussed separately

at NATIONAL GYPSUM DRYWALL ASBESTOS?

[Click to enlarge any image]

Some gypsum board or drywall products may have contained asbestos and asbestos was also commonly used in joint compound and other drywall or gypsum board coatings.

Chrysotile asbestos content in drywall compound includes

• Boelter, Fred W., Yulin Xia, and Linda Dell. COMPARATIVE RISKS OF CANCER FROM DRYWALL FINISHING BASED ON STOCHASTIC MODELING OF CUMULATIVE EXPOSURES TO RESPIRABLE DUSTS AND CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS FIBERS [PDF] Risk Analysis 35, no. 5 (2015): 859-871.
  Abstract:
  Sanding joint compounds is a dusty activity and exposures are not well characterized. Until the mid 1970s, asbestos-containing joint compounds were used by some people such that sanding could emit dust and asbestos fibers.
  
  We estimated the distribution of 8-h TWA concentrations and cumulative exposures to respirable dusts and chrysotile asbestos fibers for four worker groups: (1) drywall specialists, (2) generalists, (3) tradespersons who are bystanders to drywall finishing, and (4) do-it-yourselfers (DIYers).
  
  Data collected through a survey of experienced contractors, direct field observations, and literature were used to develop prototypical exposure scenarios for each worker group. To these exposure scenarios, we applied a previously developed semi-empirical mathematical model that predicts area as well as personal breathing zone respirable dust concentrations.
  
  An empirical factor was used to estimate chrysotile fiber concentrations from respirable dust concentrations. On a task basis, we found mean 8-h TWA concentrations of respirable dust and chrysotile fibers are numerically highest for specialists, followed by generalists, DIYers, and bystander tradespersons; these concentrations are estimated to be in excess of the respective current but not historical Threshold Limit Values.
  
  Due to differences in frequency of activities, annual cumulative exposures are highest for specialists, followed by generalists, bystander tradespersons, and DIYers.
  
  Cumulative exposure estimates for chrysotile fibers from drywall finishing are expected to result in few, if any, mesothelioma or excess lung cancer deaths according to recently published risk assessments. Given the dustiness of drywall finishing, we recommend diligence in the use of readily available source controls.
• Brorby, G. P., P. J. Sheehan, D. W. Berman, K. T. Bogen, and S. E. Holm. "Exposures from Chrysotile‐Containing Joint Compound: Evaluation of New Model Relating Respirable Dust to Fiber Concentrations." Risk Analysis 33, no. 1 (2013): 161-176.
• Phelka, Amanda D., and Brent L. Finley. "Potential health hazards associated with exposures to asbestos-containing drywall accessory products: A state-of-the-science assessment." Critical reviews in toxicology 42, no. 1 (2012): 1-27.
• Sheehan, Patrick J., Gregory P. Brorby, D. Wayne Berman, Kenneth T. Bogen, and Stewart E. Holm. "Chamber for testing asbestos-containing products: validation and testing of a re-created chrysotile-containing joint compound." Annals of occupational hygiene (2011): mer048.

Research on Asbestos Content in Drywall, Gypsum Board Products, Joint Compound, Drywall Mud, Textured Coatings

Research on Health Hazards from Amphibole & Chrysotile Asbestos

Asbestos in Drywall or gypsum board products & asbestos content in drywall joint compound, drywall "mud", and textured coatings; includes Chrysotile asbestos, the most common form of asbestos found in products, especially in buildings (serpentine mineral with sheet or layered structure).

• Asbestos in Joint Compound, Bondex: [Note that asbestos was commonly used in other brands of joint compound as well.]

  Bondex manufactured a joint compound that was commonly used on construction sites during the installation of drywall. From 1961 to 1977, Bondex joint compound contained asbestos. -
  
  retrieved 15 June 2015 original source: www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=54841 [LOIS J. WAGNER, ROBIN G. ) WAGNER and WENDE L. WAGNER, ) Individually and as Wrongful Death ) Beneficiaries of ROBERT WAGNER, ) ) Appellant-Respondent, ) ) WD72474 (Consolidated with WD72482 v. ) and WD72619) ) BONDEX INTERNATIONAL, INC., and ) Opinion filed: June 19, 2012 SIMPSON TIMBER COMPANY, ) ) Respondent-Appellant, ) ) CONWED CORPORATION, ) ) Defendant. ) APPEAL FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CLAY COUNTY, MISSOURI The Honorable Kathryn E. Davis, Judge Before Division Four: Lisa White Hardwick, Chief Judge, Presiding, Joseph M. Ellis, Judge and Victor C. Howard, Judge]
  
  See details at SIMPSON CEILING TILES

• ASBESTOS PRODUCING COMPANIES & TRUSTS - complete list includes all asbestos-containing drywall producing companies

• ASBESTOS LIST of PRODUCTS.

• ASBESTOS in BESTWALL GYPSUM BOARD
• ASBESTOS in BONDEX DRYWALL COMPOUND
• ASBESTOS in CANADIAN CGC DRYWALL? - USG-Canada
• ASBESTOS in CANADIAN DRYWALL

• ASBESTOS in CERTAINTEED DRYWALL
• ASBESTOS in CANADIAN DOMTAR GYPROC DRYWALL? - GYPROC
• ASBESTOS in GLA - GYPSUM LIME & ALABASTINE CO. DRYWALL?

Above: Gyproc FIREGUARD GYPSUM BOARD UL Classified R8742 Wallboard Type S, Issue No. C-3189, 5/8", by Domtar Gypsum

The site of Domtar's Cornwall paper mill, first built in 1881 and sold to Paris Holdings in 2006, aka "the Big Ben Landfill And Recreation Area" receives demolition waste and "asbestos from the decommissioned mill". - Wikipedia retrieved 2020/01/04, original https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domtar

• ATSDR, WHO IS AT RISK of EXPOSURE to ASBESTOS? [PDF] ATSDR, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, retrieved 2022/06/04, original source: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/asbestos/who_is_at_risk.html
• Australia, CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS FACT SHEET [PDF] (2019) Australian Government, Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, retrieved 2022/06/04, original source: https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/what-we-do/news-and-announcements/chrysotile-asbestos-fact-sheet
  Excerpts:
  Is ‘responsible and safe’ use [of chrysotile asbestos] possible?
  
  No. Chrysotile is hazardous to human health, as it can cause cancer and other diseases.
  
  There is no evidence that a safe threshold exists (or minimum exposure level) to prevent the adverse health effects of the use of asbestos.
  
  As there is no known level of exposure that would prevent the likelihood of asbestos-related diseases occurring, the risk to human health now and in the future when the asbestos is disturbed or deteriorates is unacceptable.
  
  With no known safe level of exposure, use in ‘controlled’ environments is not feasible as the risk of exposure cannot be eliminated.
  
  Workplaces can put measures in place that can minimise exposure risk, using a hierarchy of controls, but these will not prevent exposure completely unless the asbestos (or the hazard) is eliminated.
  
  The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers asbestos as ‘one of the most important occupational carcinogens’ (WHO, 2014). Asbestos—including chrysotile—causes mesothelioma; cancer of the lung, larynx and ovaries; asbestosis (fibrosis or scarring of the lungs); and pleural disease such as plaques, thickening or effusion (leaking of fluid).
  
  The WHO recommended that elimination of asbestos-related diseases became a focus from 2003, in the 13th session of the joint International Labour Organization (ILO) / WHO Committee on Occupational Health.
• Boelter, Fred W., Yulin Xia, and Linda Dell. "Comparative Risks of Cancer from Drywall Finishing Based on Stochastic Modeling of Cumulative Exposures to Respirable Dusts and Chrysotile Asbestos Fibers." Risk Analysis (2014).
• DAP Premium Lightweight Joint Compound SDS [PDF] DAP Products Inc. 2400 Boston Street Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224-4723 USA, - retrieved 2022/10/25
• HEALTH CONSULTATION, DOMTAR GYPSUM American, Inc., 801 Minaker Drive Antioch, Contra Costa County, California Epa Facility Id Cad089182810 May 7, 2008, [PDF] U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency For Toxic Substances And Disease Registry, Division Of Health Assessment And Consultation, Atlanta, Georgia 30333 Contact ATSDR 1-800-CDC-INFO http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov

• IGNIFUGE GYPSUM BOARD ASBESTOS? [web article]
• Elden, Howard S. "Dry powder for wallboard joint treatment." U.S. Patent 3,303,147, issued February 7, 1967. Original Assignee: Nat Gypsum Co.
  
  Excerpt: Fillers The limestone, bentonite clay, mica and asbestos are primarily fillers, each, however, contributing varying working qualities to the mud formed when water is added to the powder composition of the invention. All function in part as pigments. The bentonite clay tends to hold water and contribute to the working properties of the mud.
  
  The mica improves crack resistance. Asbestos provides a control of the amount of slip, or conversely, the pull, when trowelling the mud. The fineness of the limestone, clay and asbestos, as well as the plaster, is 100% minus 100 mesh and at least 50% minus 325 mesh. The fineness of the mica is 99% minus 100 mesh.
• Fischbein, Alf, Arthur N. Rohl, Arthur M. Langer, And Irving J. Selikoff. "Drywall Construction And Asbestos Exposure." The American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 40, No. 5 (1979): 402-407.
  
  Abstract:
  The rapid development of the drywall construction trade in the United States is described. It is estimated that some 75,000 U.S. construction workers are currently employed in this trade.
  
  The use of a variety of spackle and taping compounds is shown to be associated with significant asbestos exposure; air samples taken in the breathing zone of drywall tapers during sanding of taping compounds show fiber concentrations exceeding, by several times, the maximum level permitted by United States Government regulations.
  
  These findings are given together with the result of a clinical field survey of drywall construction workers demonstrating that asbestos disease may be an important health hazard in this trade.
• Fischbein A, Langer AM, Suzuki Y, Selikoff IJ. Carcinoma of the lung in a drywall taping worker report of a case. Toxicology Letters. 1978 Oct 31;2(4):231-6.
• Health Canada:
  
  Excerpt:
  ... To minimize risk of inhaling airborne asbestos, homeowners should receive expert advice before removing any materials that may contain asbestos removing any materials that may contain asbestos.
  
  ... If handling small amounts of damaged asbestos-containing materials, homeowners should follow a series of steps including sealing off the work area, wetting the material, avoiding cutting, breaking or damaging the material, wearing protective clothing including a single-use respirator, sealing the waste in plastic bags, and disposing of the waste according to municipal regulations.
• Neva F. B. Jacobs, Kevin M. Towle, Brent L. Finley & Shannon H. Gaffney (2019) An updated evaluation of potential health hazards associated with exposures to asbestos-containing drywall accessory products [PDF] Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 49:5, 430-444, DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1639612 - retrieved 2022/10/25, original source: tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10408444.2019.1639612?needAccess=true
  
  Excerpt: Based on our calculations, typical drywall work using asbestos-containing drywall accessory products is not expected to increase the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer or mesothelioma.
  
  These conclusions are consistent with the lack of epidemiological evidence that drywall work resulted in an increased incidence of asbestos-related disease in the drywall trades.

• Lange JH, Thomulka KW. An evaluation of personal airborne asbestos exposure measurements during abatement of dry wall and floor tile/mastic. International Journal of Environmental Health Research. 2000 Mar 1;10(1):5-19.
• NATIONAL GYPSUM DRYWALL ASBESTOS? [web article]
• NIH, ASBESTOS EXPOSURE and CANCER RISK [PDF] U.S. NIH, National Institute of Health, NCI, National Cancer Institute, retrieved 2022/06/04, original source: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet
  Excerpts:
  Asbestos is the name given to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications.
  
  These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely in many industries. Additional asbestos-like minerals are found in the natural environment, including erionite.
  
  Chemically, asbestos minerals are silicate compounds, meaning they contain atoms of silicon and oxygen in their molecular structure.
  ...
  Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2, 3, 7, 8).
  
  According to IARC, there is sufficient evidence that asbestos causes mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen), and cancers of the lung, larynx, and ovary (8). In fact, it is thought that most mesotheliomas are due to asbestos exposure (9).
  
  There is limited evidence that asbestos exposure is linked to increased risks of cancers of the stomach, pharynx, and colorectum (8).
  
  Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage) and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membranes surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusions (abnormal collections of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity).
  
  Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by exposure to asbestos may be at increased risk for lung cancer (2, 10).
  
  Erionite has also been classified as a known human carcinogen by IARC (8) and by HHS (3). It is not currently regulated by the EPA.
• Oberta, Andrew F., MPH, CIH, "Wallboard: It's more than joint compound", [presentation], Andrew F. Oberta, MPH, CIH The Environmental Consultancy 900 Route 620 South, Suite C101, M/S 101 Austin, TX 78734 (512) 266-1368 andyobe@aol.com www.asbestosguru-oberta.com, retrieved 2015/12/11, original source: http://www.asbestosguru-oberta.com/Wallboard.html
• Phelka, Amanda D., and Brent L. Finley. "Potential health hazards associated with exposures to asbestos-containing drywall accessory products: A state-of-the-science assessment." Critical reviews in toxicology 42, no. 1 (2012): 1-27.
• Pinchin, Don, "A Canadian Perspective on Asbestos Precautions for the Removal of Drywall with Asbestos-Containing Drywall Joint Compound (ACDJC)", [Presentation] (2011), Pinchin Environmental, Website: www.pinchin.com, Tel: 1-855-PINCHIN, retrieved 2015/12/11, original source: http://www.chba.ca/uploads/CRC/May%202011/Asbestos%20Presentation%20-%20May%202011.pdf
• Santmyers, R.M., THE CANADIAN GYPSUM INDUSTRY, [PDF] Information Circular, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Mines, Circular NO. 6162, August 1929, retrieved 2019/01/04, original source: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc784355/m2/1/high_res_d/metadc784355.pdf
  
  Possibly significantly, the word "asbestos" does not appear in this document.
• SHEETROCK® Lightweight All Purpose Joint Compound Tinted Plus 3™ Ready Mixed SDS [PDF], United States Gypsum, 550 West Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661-3637, USA, retrieved 2022/10/25
• Stayner, Leslie T., DavidA Dankovic, and RichardA Lemen. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS AND CANCER RISK: A REVIEW OF THE AMPHIBOLE HYPOTHESIS [PDF] American Journal of Public Health 86, no. 2 (1996): 179-186.
  
  OBJECTIVES. This article examines the credibility and policy implications of the "amphibole hypothesis," which postulates that
  
  (1) the mesotheliomas observed among workers exposed to chrysotile asbestos may be explained by confounding exposures to amphiboles, and
  
  (2) chrysotile may have lower carcinogenic potency than amphiboles.
  
  METHODS. A critical review was conducted of the lung burden, epidemiologic, toxicologic, and mechanistic studies that provide the basis for the amphibole hypothesis.
  
  RESULTS. Mechanistic and lung burden studies do not provide convincing evidence for the amphibole hypothesis.
  
  Toxicologic and epidemiologic studies provide strong evidence that chrysotile is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Chrysotile may be less potent than some amphiboles for inducing mesotheliomas, but there is little evidence to indicate lower lung cancer risk.
  
  CONCLUSIONS. Given the evidence of a significant lung cancer risk, the lack of conclusive evidence for the amphibole hypothesis, and the fact that workers are generally exposed to a mixture of fibers, we conclude that it is prudent to treat chrysotile with virtually the same level of concern as the amphibole forms of asbestos.
• U.S. EPA, ASBESTOS NESHAP CLARIFICATION REGARDING ANALYSIS OF MULTI-LAYERED SYSTEMS [PDF] (1995) retrieved 2021/05/31 original source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1995-12-19/pdf/95-30790.pdf
  
  Excerpt: This document provides clarification regarding the requirements of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for asbestos.
  
  It is intended to address common questions regarding situations where one or more layers which may contain asbestos are present, and supplement the January 5, 1994 Federal Register clarification (59 FR 542). EFFECTIVE DATE: December 19, 1995
• U.S. EPA, ASBESTOS IN YOUR HOME [PDF] (2020) later version of the original, (below) printed by InspectApedia.com
• U.S. EPA, ASBESTOS IN YOUR HOME [PDF] (1990), retrieved (anew) 2015/12/10, original source: http://www.epa.gov/region8/asbestos-your-home -
  Note: by 2021/05/31 the US EPA website no longer provides asbestos hazard management information at the link given above. The page had been removed from public access. A more-legible version is given just above.
  
  Excerpt:
  The building industry uses, or has used, thousands of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as roofing and siding, fire protection material, residential building materials, heating and electrical wire insulation, appliance components, sheet flooring, ceiling and floor tile, caulk and drywall.
  
  As late as 1989, the use of asbestos products in the U.S. exceeded 55,000 tons per year.
  
  Asbestos in the materials used in new construction is almost always chrysotile asbestos and is not related to the Grace mine.
  
  With the exception of the contaminated vermiculite discussed above, the biggest asbestos health threat in homes is from older ACMs, such as pipe wrap and furnace insulation, ceiling tiles, ceiling and wall texture, fireproofing and wallboard.
  
  These materials are easily flaked (friable) and can be damaged, allowing asbestos fibers to be released.
  
  Other ACMs that are less friable and present a smaller hazard are floor tiles, linoleum, asphalt roofing and cement asbestos siding. If ACMs in your home are in good shape and are not in danger of being damaged, it may be best to just leave them alone.
• U.S. EPA, PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM EXPOSURES TO ASBESTOS [PDF] (2013) U.S. EPA Environmental Protection Agency, retrieved 2021/05/31 original source: https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#whattodo
• U.S. EPA, RISK EVALUATION for ASBESTOS, PART I: CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS [PDF] (2020) U.S. EPA Environmental Protection Agency, retrieved 2022/06/04, original source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/documents/1_risk_evaluation_for_asbestos_part_1_chrysotile_asbestos.pdf
  
  Watch out: The overall logic of the U.S. EPA rulemaking is based on the erroneous assumption about the cancer risk for chrysotile asbestos exposure being substantial, while numerous scientific sources prove the opposite to be true. - U.S. AIHA 2022.
• Verma DK, Middleton CG. Occupational exposure to asbestos in the drywall taping process. The American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 1980 Apr 1;41(4):264-9.
  Abstract
  
  Studies of airborne asbestos fiber concentrations associated with various operations of the drywall taping process have been undertaken in the province of Alberta, Canada.
  
  The results show that mixing, sanding and sweeping created high levels of airborne asbestos dust. The measured concentrations were frequently in excess of occupational health standards.
  
  Sanding in particular was assessed the most hazardous operation.
  
  The results are discussed in light of present and proposed Occupational Health Standards, and in terms of its implications for other workers, household contacts, and consumer's risk. Measures to reduce and control the health hazards associated with the process are described.
• Washington State, ASBESTOS-CONTAINING JOINT COMPOUND IN WALLBOARD SYSTEMS [PDF] (2000) WISHA Services Department of Labor and Industries Directive 23.30
  
  Excerpt:
  Joint compound used on wallboard systems often contains asbestos added during the mixing process to improve the working texture of the material.
  
  The asbestos in the joint compound is typically much less than 5 percent by weight and the joint compound makes up a minor fraction of the material in the wallboard system.
  
  Where work with the wallboard system does not involve sanding, grinding or abrading the wall surface, joint compound will generally remain intact on the surface of the wallboard.
  
  The presence of joint compound has not been found to represent a greater hazard of asbestos exposure than treating the wallboard system as a homogenous material.
  
  It is important to implement prompt clean-up procedures and avoid pulverizing debris generated during the work.
  
  
• WHO, CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS HAZARDS [PDF] (2014) World Health Organization, WHO, retrieved 2022/06/04, original source: http://www.quotidianosanita.it/allegati/allegato5011877.pdf
• Yano, Eiji, Xiaorong Wang, Mianzhen Wang, Hong Qiu, and Zhiming Wang. LUNG CANCER MORTALITY FROM EXPOSURE TO CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS AND SMOKING: A CASE–CONTROL STUDY WITHIN A COHORT IN CHINA [PDF] (2010) Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67, no. 12 (2010): 867-871.
  Abstract Objective To confirm the association between exposure to chrysotile asbestos and lung cancer risk and to demonstrate the combined effect of smoking and asbestos exposure.
  
  Methods A case–control study of 1139 asbestos workers identified 41 male lung cancer cases in 2001; each case was matched by age (±5 years) with five controls.
  
  Workers in seven workshops were categorised into high-, medium- and low-exposure subgroups, and conditional logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratios for lung cancer risk associated with the different exposure levels.
  
  Smoking, age at first exposure, and exposure duration were considered as covariates/confounding factors. A joint effect of asbestos exposure and smoking on lung cancer risk was analysed using a conditional logistical model.
  
  Results 54% of cases had high exposure and 24% low exposure, while 24% of controls had high exposure and 44% low exposure. Smoking was more common in cases (90%) than in controls (73%). The adjusted OR for lung cancer was 3.66 (95% CI 1.61 to 8.29) for high exposure and was elevated slightly for medium exposure (1.25; 95% CI 0.47 to 3.31).
  
  Smoking was related to lung cancer risk (OR 3.33; 95% CI 1.10 to 10.08). In comparison with the low-exposure non-smoking group, the OR for the high-exposure smoking group was 10.39 (1.34 to 82.45), in contrast to 5.23 (0.50 to 54.58) for high-exposure non-smoking workers.
  
  Conclusions These results confirm the strong association between exposure to chrysotile asbestos and lung cancer risk, and support an interactive effect of asbestos exposure and smoking which is more than additive.

Diagnostic Questions Help Guess at Risk of Asbestos in Gypsum Board / Drywall or "Sheetrock®"

If you can establish the date of the home's construction that gives a floor under the "does my drywall contain asbestos" question - particularly when you add country and city of installation.

1. Check drywall back and edges for identifying stamps,

dates, standards bar-codes. Sometimes we get lucky in dating drywall from stamps and labels.

ASTM Standard C36 Standard Specification for Gypsum Wallboard (Withdrawn 2005) was replaced by Active Standard ASTM C1396 / C1396M - but that doesn't give us an "earliest" date and had versions published in 1997 - 2003.

Similarly the sticker doesn't give an "earliest" date for ASTM C1396 / C1396M-17, Standard Specification for Gypsum Board, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2017, www.astm.org

2. Location of drywall installation:

What are the country and city and date of construction of your home

3. Type of drywall installation:

is the drywall installed in an area where fire-resistant drywall is likely to have been used such as in a boiler room or on a wall between a garage and occupied living space?

4. Age: date of drywall installation or dates of building:

When was the specific drywall installed? Was it from original construction or from a later renovation or addition?

5. Drywall manufacturer:

Even without finding stamps, stickers, or codes that help date a drywall or gypsum board product, if a stamp identifies the manufacturer (as most do) and if you know the ages or dates of the drywall you can often contact the company to ascertain if they ever used asbestos in their gypsum board products and if so during what years was that product manufactured.

Also see ASBESTOS PRODUCING COMPANIES & TRUSTS where we list companies known to have used asbestos in various products and where we give dates of that use.

In your case the Canadian company CGC is a major manufacturer of gypsum board products as well as acoustical ceilings. The company has locations around the world. CGC does appear in our list of known asbestos users. USG and probably CSG products known to contain asbestos were produced between about 1920 and 1978. Contact the company at:

• CGC Inc. Corporate Office 350 Burnhamthorpe Road West 5th Floor Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3J1 Tel. (905) 803-5600 Fax (905) 803-5688 Toll free: 1-800-565-6607 Customer Service: Toll Free#: 1-800-387-2690

Asbestos Use in Drywall Joint Tape?

We have moved this discussion to

ASBESTOS in DRYWALL TAPE?

 

 

Reader Q&A - also see the FAQs series linked-to below

On 2022-05-12 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - Did Drywall Joint Mesh Tape ever contain asbestos?

@Oliver,

Interesting question. Please see our extended discussion and research results now in

ASBESTOS in DRYWALL TAPE?

at

inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-in-Drywall-Tape.php

You may need to clear or refresh your browser cache to see the updated page. We welcome your further photos, comments, questions.

On 2022-05-11 by Oliver

Did Drywall Joint Mesh Tape ever contain asbestos? Thank you, Oliver

On 2022-05-07 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Anonymous,

Hand-turning a screw into drywall will release less dust than drilling, in my experience, but neither of those singular tasks is going to produce a significant amount of dust. Damp wipe, HEPA vac, or your methods sound perfectly reasonable.

On 2022-05-07 by Anonymous

We recently used a drill to put an anchor and screw into a wall that is possibly from the 90s, but we don't know. There was dust created that was picked up using tape and a damp wipe, and we wiped down the area and changed the sheets on the bed that was nearby.

Was what we did sufficient to minimize any possible exposure? I'm wondering if using a drill would create a comparable amount of dust to screwing in a screw by hand.

On 2021-12-20 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Jen,

There is no measurable hazard from a 1-2 inch ding in the bottom of drywall, but sure, safest is to install a baseboard trim.

Clean up with damp wiping and if there is a lot of dust, HEPA vacuuming.

It's true that in specific areas certain manufacturers or brands may have been dominant.

But without identifying a specific brand, it's also reasonable to say that by the late 1940s drywall, joint compound, tape, plaster, etc. used in building interiors were pretty much widely distributed across the continental U.S. from the various major manufacturers.

On 2021-12-20 by Jen

New homeowner here...we just bought a house built in 1950 and redone in the 90s. The master bedroom closet has some (3"*1") damage along the base of the wall where there is also a gap between the drywall and the floor. I understand there is a possibility of asbestos in the drywall.

Should we be concerned that this area is creating an asbestos hazard because of the damage to the wall and would fitting molding to the base of the wall be enough to encapsulate any hazard? We had thought of vacuuming the crumbled drywall but were unsure if that would create an exposure where there was none.

Are there certain areas of the US that were more likely to use asbestos drywall, tape, and joint compound? I reside in SLC, UT. Just purchased a home built in 1949 and planning to take down some walls. Wondering if we should get them tested. Thanks!

On 2021-08-31 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@robert h,

Done, in the article above; both in PDF downloads of research documents and in lists of asbestos-containing products and manufacturers.

On 2021-08-31 by robert h

names of joint compound in 70s with asbestos

On 2021-06-01 by mak.church (mod)

@Kyle, Let me refer to the below article to help with your questions and to encourage you to take necessary precautions with regard to doing it yourself or hiring a professional:

Asbestos Content in Drywall & Joint Compound? https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-Drywall-Remediation.php#QA

Let us know if you have additional questions.

On 2021-06-01 by Kyle

Just recently had my popcorn ceiling material tested and it came back negative for asbestos. However, the joint compound used on the ceiling tested 1-5%. I was planning on removing the popcorn ceiling myself. I'm concerned removing the popcorn will now disturb the joint compound. Do I now need to seek another alternative such as putting new drywall over top, leaving the ceiling altogether, or hiring proper abatement team? Thanks for all the valuable information!

On 2021-05-31 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

- source:

U.S. EPA "Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos" - cited in the article above.

On 2021-05-31 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - how to manage asbestos hazards when drilling or cutting into drywall.

@Michelle,

Thank you for the question on how to manage asbestos hazards when drilling or cutting into drywall.

First, though, Help me understand the question correctly. I read that there is no asbestos in your walls and asbestos-containing popcorn ceiling paint is being removed.

If that's right, why are we concerned about asbestos hazards from cutting holes to mount things to the walls or ceilings?

For other readers:

**IF** your wall or ceiling drywall contains asbestos (which you cannot know without testing), the U.S. EPA recommends that

Asbestos Do's and Don'ts for the Homeowner

Do leave undamaged asbestos-containing materials alone.

Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos, including limiting children's access to any materials that may contain asbestos.

Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos-containing material.

Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos.

It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by a trained and accredited asbestos professional.

Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.

Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos-containing materials.

Don't use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on flooring that may contain asbestos.

Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing install new floor covering over it, if possible.

Don't track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.


In our OPINION (we are not asbestos experts)

- simply installing a nail or screw to mount a picture does not create a measurable asbestos hazard; if that step, in your home, makes a bit of drywall dust, clean it up using HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping.

You can also minimize any possible drywall dust release from any picture hanging fastener installation by first applying a bit of tape, such as masking tape, over the wall area for an inch or so through the center of which the nail or screw will be driven.

- cutting larger openings such as to inspect wall or ceiling cavities for hidden damage, leaks, mold, or to route wires or pipes etc., might indeed create hazardous dust and so should follow the EPA recommendations above.

On 2021-05-30 by Michelle

We recently bought a 1969 house that has a knockdown texture over all the walls. The wall texture and joint compound tested positive for less than 1% asbestos (a point sample test was conducted) and the drywall tested negative. Popcorn ceiling with 3% asbestos is being professionally abated. We plan to not complete any demo work ourselves.

What precautions do you recommend we take for things like anchoring furniture to the walls or hanging heavy items? What questions should we ask tradesmen to ensure they take appropriate precautions when working to protect their health and also ours from any resulting dust (such as electricians drilling holes or drywall repair people patching professionally abated drywall)?

When should an abatement company be hired to work in tandem with other tradesmen (such as the abatement company drilling the holes the electrician needs)? Thank you for your assistance and generosity in sharing this information.

On 2021-04-21 by Anonymous

thank you for response and help

On 2021-04-21 - by (mod) -

@Jena,

"Is it safe to drive a picture nail or screw into asbestos-suspect drywall?"

No worries. Driving a nail or turning in a small screw to hang a photo will not produce a detectable hazard of dust alone, and as the volume of such dust is so miniscule it won't produce a detectable asbestos hazard from the drywall

Thank you for a helpful question.

On 2021-04-21 by Jena

We are buying a house built in 1976 and have been told there is asbestos in the drywall. I know it is safe as long as it is not disturbed. So my question is, can I still nail or drill into the wall to hang photos, etc? Or is that a disturbance that would release the fibers into the home? We don't want to risk exposure to our family. Thank you for your help!

On 2021-04-20 by danjoefriedman (mod) - drywalls Stamp "approved the board of standards CAL 702"

@John Ban,

I can't identify that drywall, but based on its age it would be prudent to treat the drywall as well as joint compound used on the walls as presumed to contain asbestos. It's perfectly harmless if left in place and undisturbed; if you face a costly demolition then you might want to have representative samples tested.

By the way it looks as if there may have been leaks, water damage and mold contamination on some of your drywall.

You might want to take a look at HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND https://inspectapedia.com/mold/Find-Hidden-Mold.php

On 2021-04-20 by John Ban

Hi, bought a house in Long Island and the basement has wallboard. [Image above]



No brand name on the wall board. The house was built in 1952. The boards has a print say approved the board of standards and quotes CAL 702.
Given the age of the house, I'm trying to determine if the board has asbestos in it. Many thx

On 2021-04-10 by Anonymous

@danjoefriedman thank you this is the US. I appreciate your response.

On 2021-04-10 by (mod)

@MW, you don't give the country and city but if you're in the US manufacturers stopped using asbestos in such products in or before products in 1986

On 2021-04-09 by MW

would drywall with a date stamp of December 1989 possibly contain asbestos?

On 2021-03-23 - by (mod) - is there a chance that walls in our 1978 home contained asbestos?

@Mary, Unfortunately nobody can guess at asbestos exposure from drywall from a brief e-text. It's possible that your drywall OR the joint compound used on it contained asbestos, given its age

. If you can find some dust that remains from that work you could have it tested but I'm not sure that the answer is going to give any help now - the horse has run out of the barn, regardless of whether or not her saddlebags of dust contained asbestos.

On 2021-03-23 by Mary

My house was built in 1978. Last year we had a crack in the wall due to a heavy shelf, and my husband repaired it but had to cut a part of the wall off.

We didn't even think about asbestos in the drywall. We had a previous renovation where the popcorn ceiling, floor tiles, carpet, and textured walls were tested for asbestos (all came back negative) but we didn't test the drywall because we weren't knocking down any walls.

That being said, the contractors did pull out cabinets and lights from the wall, so there was a major disturbance. Is there a high chance that the walls contained asbestos? It was a while ago but I just want to see what other people think.

On 2020-04-09 - by (mod) - asbestos & other hazards in 5/8" pink drywall?

Dustin

How interesting; I've not come U.S.-made across pink drywall dust from the 1960s.

However some Chinese and other Asian made drywall is or was pink in color such as drywall from Newswan.com, a Shanghai company and also drywall from Pynwau - possibly a fire-rated drywall product. [shown below]


You'll want to take a look at CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS

If you can find any manufacturer's imprints include a photo here (one image per comment) of the drywall edge and another of the imprinting.

On 2020-04-08 2 by Dustin

Hi
I was recently cutting some drywall in my basement that was covering water pipes.

I notified the dust itself was pink, while the backing material was brown. I have not been able to identify a brand on the material but it is 5/8" thick.

The house was built in 68, but haven't encountered much asbestos elsewhere thus far (professionally tested). I suspect the drywall in the laundry was done later

On 2020-03-19 - by (mod) - lab found no asbestos in this ceiling drywall & popcorn ceiling paint

It's possible that your home has no asbestos in its drywall or joint compound, though it was common in many (but not all) such products, particularly the compound.

The ugly truth is that there is quite a bit of variability in asbestos lab test accuracy depending on the individual sample properties and also on the individual technician and how she prepares the sample and operates the microscope (or other equipment).

In particular what strikes me odd is lab reports that indicate finding extremely small levels of asbestos - such as less than 1%. I suspect people are playing the "CYA" game (cover your "assets") to be on the safe side.

Bottom line:

1. don't panic - that anxiety is bad for your health

2. if a dusty mess has already been made of your drywall then damp wipe, mop, and HEPA vacuum to clean all surfaces

3. wash your hands and avoid crowds or even large groups as the current virus epidemic ( now named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (formerly called HCoV-19) emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019) is farm more urgent and more-immediately dangerous than drywall dust

On 2020-03-19 by Jessica

I recently purchased a home built in 1971. It has popcorn ceilings but the popcorn is negative for asbestos, tested twice. The sheetrock man I’ve hired to scrape them didn’t ask about the joint compound.

I tried as best I could to get a sample of tape/compound and found what I THINK is take and compound in a basement closet, but I’m not certain. I also sent a sample from the edge of the ceiling where the wall and ceiling meet.

The lab said they saw no asbestos, which is very shocking and I’m not sure I believe it. I’m questioning if I even got joint compound in my samples. Is it possible my home really doesn’t have asbestos JC?

I am only worried about sanding the ceilings to smooth them out. Pic of my samples.

 

Bestwall Drywall Asbestos

This topic has moved to BESTWALL DRYWALL ASBESTOS

DoesCanadian CGC Drywall contain asbestos

Now found at ASBESTOS in CANADIAN DRYWALL

Drywall & Joint Compound Asbestos Remediation - How to Cover or Remove Asbestos-Containing Drywall or Joint Compound

This discussion has moved to ASBESTOS-DRYWALL REMEDIATION / REMOVAL

Watch out: do not disturb asbestos-suspect drywall materials; it's generally safest to leave such materials alone or to cover them. If demolition or removal is required, then the additional steps discussed here are pertinent.

Identify Certainteed Asbestos-Containing Drywall or Plasterboard

This discussion moved to

CERTAINTEED DRYWALL ASBESTOS

...

Continue reading at ASBESTOS in DRYWALL MUD - TEST LOCATIONS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see ASBESTOS in DRYWALL FAQs - questions & answers posted originally at the end of this article.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ASBESTOS CEMENT CEILING & WALL PANELS
• ASBESTOS in DRYWALL
  • BESTWALL DRYWALL ASBESTOS
  • CANADIAN DRYWALL ASBESTOS
  • CANADIAN GYPSUM LIME & ALABASTINE GLA DRYWALL ASBESTOS?
  • CELOTEX DRYWALL ASBESTOS
  • CERTAINTEED DRYWALL ASBESTOS
  • CGC GYPROC DRYWALL ASBESTOS?
  • COATING TYPE CEILING & WALL SURFACES: CATALOG OF
  • DOMTAR GYPROC ASBESTOS?
  • DRYWALL & GYPSUM BOARD COMPOSITION & HISTORY
  • DRYWALL IDENTIFICATION STAMPS
  • GENSTAR GYPSUM LTD ASBESTOS?
  • GYPSUM BOARD GYP ROCK SHEATHING
  • GYPSUM BOARD PLASTER LATH SYSTEMS
  • IGNIFUGE GYPSUM BOARD ASBESTOS?
  • NATIONAL GYPSUM DRYWALL ASBESTOS?
  • PLASTER TYPES & METHODS in BUILDINGS
  • US GYPSUM SHEETROCK ASBESTOS
  • SHEATHING, GYPSUM BOARD
• ASBESTOS in DRYWALL MUD - TEST LOCATIONS
• ASBESTOS in DRYWALL TAPE?
• ASBESTOS-DRYWALL REMEDIATION / REMOVAL
• ASBESTOS in PLASTER - what about the use of asbestos in plaster walls & ceilings?
• ASBESTOS PRODUCING COMPANIES & TRUSTS - complete list includes all asbestos-containing drywall producing companies

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