Asbestos Found in Taping Compounds

In the good old days, walls of houses were made of plaster. But during the World War, time was of an essence and anything that could be done in less time and with less effort was quickly adopted. As a result, the drywall caught the favor of the public and building trades owing to its ease of use and durability. A layer of gypsum sandwiched between two sheets of heavy duty paper was variously called Drywall, Gypsum board and Sheetrock.

Sheets of standard sizes were nailed to wood frames and the wall was ready. The joints were taped over and then compounded with taping compound. The dried taping compound was sanded to a smooth finish; this was then painted or covered with paper to conceal the seams where the sheets of drywall met.

Asbestos Exposure from Taping Compounds

Not until the 1980s did the euphoria evolve to alarm when it was discovered that the sheetrock, the drywall joint compound and the drywall tape, all products contained asbestos. The drywall tapers were most at risk as they mixed the compound, applied it and also sanded it. They were constantly breathing in air laden with asbestos fibers and dust. It is not surprising then that those who worked in the construction industry at the time were at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than a person who did not.

Taping Compounds Containing Asbestos Fibers

While a large number of products containing have been banned in the years since the truth came out publicly, making taping compounds with asbestos continues to be a legal activity in the United States. Some even claim to be selling asbestos-free drywall compounds and tapes when actually their products contain 1 percent asbestos. Not enough to harm maybe but still very much there. And enough to warrant implementation of safety precautions when sanding, mixing and cutting such materials.

The danger of being contaminated with asbestos fiber continues for workers engaged in the remodel, renovation, and demolition trades. Homes that were built prior to 1980 are being rebuilt but before that, they must be demolished. That is risky and great care must be taken to follow professional advice. Any damage or even meddling with the asbestos-containing materials releases highly concentrated levels of asbestos particles in the air. This will one day lead to mesothelioma but the damage will be discovered only 20 to 50 years in the future after the dormant fiber has grown into a malignancy.