Drywall manufactured since the mid-1990s is asbestos-free. Houses and commercial buildings constructed between the 1930s and 1990 likely used many of the 3000 products containing asbestos. Asbestos was used in drywall boards, tape, and joint compound (“mud”). Any older house that has not been renovated can contain asbestos in the drywall. Houses built in the 1940s are almost guaranteed to contain asbestos in the drywall.
Drywall is also known as sheetrock, wallboard, or gypsum board.
Why Was Asbestos Used In Drywall?
Before asbestos-related health problems began to appear, asbestos was considered an excellent additive to hundreds of products–including drywall. It has many attractive and useful properties.
- Fire Resistant.
- Soundproofing.
- Insulates.
- Lightweight.
- Improves Product Strength.
- Inexpensive.
- Availability.
How To Identify Asbestos In Drywall
You can’t see, smell, or feel asbestos in drywall. If you have an old home with undisturbed drywall, get an asbestos test done before starting any renovation project. It is the only way to know for certain if there is asbestos present. You can send samples to certified labs or have a contractor do the job for you. (Contractors use the same labs but you don’t have to deal with the drywall.)
How Dangerous Is Asbestos In Drywall?
Asbestos is only dangerous to humans if it is disturbed. The tiny fibrils float in the air, are inhaled, and adhere to lung tissue. They cannot be expelled. Asbestos fibers are released during renovations and DIY projects. Even banging a hole in the wall or sanding drywall containing asbestos allows fibrils to float into the home environment.
Asbestos has been connected to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, among other health problems. Approximately 255,000 people die each year from asbestos-related illnesses. 91% of deaths are from work-related exposure.
Removing Drywall-Containing Asbestos
Before considering DIY asbestos removal, consult your local government about any regulations and disposal problems. They may require professional contractors to do the job. Asbestos removal contractors often require licenses to operate. Disposal of asbestos-containing drywall can be difficult and finding a recycling facility next to impossible.
Many places require disclosure statements when a house is sold. DIY asbestos removal is often not recognized as adequate.
