If you have safety concerns about drywall, consult a professional.
Drywall, a common component in many homes, consists of thin boards made from various materials pressed between paper backings. Although a popular choice for home construction and renovation, working with drywall is not without risk. Many of the materials used to create drywall are hazardous to human health when released into the air as a fine dust as a result of sanding. However, working with drywall can be safe, as long as you take the proper precautions.
Irritants
Drywall dust contains various toxic substances that are detrimental to human health, should they be inhaled. Silica, calcite, mica, talc and gypsum, among other things, are present in drywall dust, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Exposure to these substances may irritate the throat, nose and eyes, causing itching and burning. Smokers and people suffering from respiratory conditions may face more severe problems from drywall dust exposure due to their compromised state.
Silicosis
Silicosis is one of the more prominent and serious threats related to inhaling drywall dust. The disease occurs in simple, accelerated and acute forms, depending on the amount of silica exposure and the time period over which it occurs. Symptoms range from difficulty breathing to swelling in the lungs and extreme shortness of breath. The disease may also lead to progressive massive fibrosis, which involves serious scarring of the lungs. Proper protection against drywall dust is the best means of prevention.
Safety Gear
Although installing drywall might seem scary, given the health risks, the right equipment will keep you safe. Wear a mask that covers the mouth and nose, and change it every 30 minutes if you're working in an area with poor ventilation, as recommended by The Family Handyman website. Alternately, wear a respirator, which does not need to be changed. Wear glasses for eye protection, and seal off vents and ducts to prevent the dust from entering the airways in your home. Also, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, as drywall dust irritates skin.
Vacuum Sanding
Vacuum sanders are another way to minimize the health risks of working with drywall, as they reduce the resulting dust by up to 95 percent. By sucking up drywall dust before it's released into the air and potentially into your lungs, vacuum sanders reduce exposure to harmful substances and make drywall sanding a safer endeavor. Such devices make working faster easier as well, as cleaner, dust-free air means a reduced need for breaks and higher productivity levels, according to the CDC.
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