What Is Drywall Made Of? Composition, Types, and Health Hazards

by Rosa June 9, 2023

written by Rosa June 9, 2023

What Is Drywall Made Of?

Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is a building material commonly used to create walls in homes and commercial spaces. It is a cheap and easy alternative to traditional plaster wall construction. Drywall panels are typically made of gypsum plaster, cellulose, or fiberglass.

Composition of Drywall

Gypsum plaster: Gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate, is the main component of drywall, comprising between 70% and 90% of its composition. It is a fire-proof and sound-deadening material.
Cellulose or fiberglass: Up to 10% of drywall is made up of cellulose, which is found in the paper facing on both sides of the panel. However, fiberglass is increasingly being used as a facing material due to its mold resistance.
Additives: Drywall also contains various additives to improve its strength, speed the hardening, hinder mildew and mold, and provide other benefits. These additives include paper or fiberglass fibers, plasticizers, starch, finely ground mica crystal, EDTA, anti-mildew agents, wax emulsion, and potassium sulfate.

What Is Joint Compound Made Of?

Joint compound, also known as mud, is used to cover the tape sealing the joints between drywall panels. It is not a liquified gypsum material, but rather a mixture of:

Calcium carbonate: This is the main mineral in drywall mud, also known as ground limestone.
Talcum: Ultra-fine talcum powder is used in joint compound because its plate-shaped particles lie flat and resist cracking, making it easy to sand to a smooth finish.

Are There Harmful Chemicals in Drywall?

Drywall is generally safe when kept solid and stable. However, the fine dust it produces can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and crystalline silica. These chemicals can be dangerous if inhaled.

Types of Drywall

There are different types of drywall available, each with its own specific用途：

White board (regular drywall): The most common type of drywall, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet and ranging in thickness from 3/8-inch to 1-inch.
Green board (waterproof drywall): Has a waxy, water-resistant coating and chemicals that resist moisture and mildew.
Fire-rated drywall: Contains fiberglass and is designed to resist fire.

Benefits of Drywall

Drywall offers several advantages over traditional plaster wall construction:

Cost-effective: Drywall is a relatively inexpensive material.
Easy to install: Drywall panels are lightweight and easy to cut and install.
Fire-resistant: Drywall is a fire-proof material, especially fire-rated drywall.
Sound-deadening: Gypsum has sound-deadening properties, making drywall an effective material for reducing noise.

Health Hazards of Drywall Dust

When working with drywall, it is important to wear a mask to prevent inhaling the fine dust. This dust can contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

Environmental Concerns

Chinese-made drywall has been linked to various environmental concerns, including:

Sulfur: Excessive levels of sulfur in Chinese drywall can corrode electrical wiring and plumbing pipes.
Strontium: Chinese drywall contains higher concentrations of strontium than U.S.-made drywall.
Mold and mildew agents: Some drywall products contain agents to fight mold and mildew, which can be harmful to sensitive individuals.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.