What Is the Environmental Impact of Drywall?
Drywall is a common material used in the construction of homes and commercial properties. Many developers and construction workers choose drywall because it is cheap and easy to work with. However, drywall has several environmental impacts that should be considered before its use.
How Does Drywall Impact the Environment?
The creation of drywall can adversely impact the environment in a few different ways. First, processing and mining gypsum can release sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxide into the air, resulting in respiratory problems and carbon gas emissions. Additionally, the refinement and heating of raw gypsum consume a large amount of energy. The gypsum must be crushed, heated, and dehydrated before being made into drywall.
Synthetic drywall can also significantly impact the environment and the safety of those around it. Recently, scientists have discovered that synthetic gypsum contains trace amounts of heavy metals and mercury. These materials can be released into the air during drywall installation, creating a health risk to construction workers and people in the building.
The final environmental problem is that drywall itself is not biodegradable, so it will remain in landfills for centuries after it is used. Additionally, old drywall can release a potentially lethal form of sulfide gas when left to decompose, which can also lead to problems with groundwater contamination and soil erosion.
Not all drywall is created equally, and some have a minimal environmental impact. At Turner Bros, we are proud to offer sustainable, environmentally friendly drywall options that will not damage the environment or those around it.
Turner Bros Contractors Ltd. has been providing steel-stud framing, drywall, and acoustic ceiling services for residential and commercial applications in the Vancouver area since 1932. The company is family-run with four generations of the family represented in the business.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your residential or commercial project, please call us at (604) 532-1991 or email us at info@turnerbros.ca.
