Gypsum is a lightweight crystal used in drywall production.
Gypsum is a lightweight, soft crystal composed of water, salt and calcium. It can be scratched with the fingernail and is known to dissolve into water because of the high salt content. It's lightweight, and its wide availability has made gypsum a popular material to add to drywall. There are risks associated with using gypsum in the home, and it must be mined correctly to avoid becoming toxic. The mining of gypsum also poses a danger to the environment and surrounding communities.
Toxins
Gypsum crystal is usually found in conjunction with or near sulfur deposits. If the calcium sulfate in gypsum mixes with the sulfur, then toxic chemicals can be produced, so the gypsum must be mined properly to ensure the substances remain separate. One chief use for gypsum is in drywall used to build houses. Contaminated gypsum inside the walls of a house would jeopardize the health of the family living there. Possible complications include respiratory disorders, bloody noses, eye irritation, extreme fatigue and in some cases, death.
Physical Reactions
Even properly mined, clean gypsum can cause some irritation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gypsum dust can cause eye irritation, skin rashes, coughing, sneezing and nasal drainage. This risk is particularly associated with miners who are exposed to high levels of gypsum dust for long periods of time. Gypsum drywall panels can pose health risks during renovations, destruction of buildings, and for people who are prone to allergic reactions. If you experience a reaction, move into fresh air, wash any areas that had direct contact with the gypsum and drink plenty of water.
Environmental Degradation
The process of extracting the gypsum from the ground can cause environmental degradation. According to the Global Press Institute, gypsum mines in India leave scars on the landscape. Not only are they unpleasant to look at, but all structure has been removed from the landscape and deposits of gypsum are left exposed to the elements. The lack of rock or vegetation leads to soil erosion and causes sinkholes and landslides. Exposed gypsum dissolves easily in the rain and leaves gaping holes that both contribute to the erosion and pose a physical danger.
Phosphogypsum
Phosphogypsum is a byproduct of phosphate production. Like natural gypsum, phosphogypsum is primarily made of calcium sulfate. Unlike its natural cousin, phosphogypsum is radioactive and much more dangerous to humans. According to Bay Soundings, a journal covering environmental issues affecting the Tampa Bay estuary, every ton of phosphate fertilizer produced creates five tons of phosphogypsum. The phosphogypsum is stored in large stacks which can reach into the hundreds of feet high. The solution for handling the hazardous waste has been debated for years. The industry produces millions of tons of phosphogypsum each year.
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