Overview
Drywallers — workers who install, tape, and finish gypsum board — faced significant asbestos exposure from joint compound (mud) and texture coatings used throughout the construction industry. Sanding dried joint compound was particularly hazardous, releasing asbestos fibers in dense clouds.
Sanding dried joint compound created extremely high airborne asbestos concentrations. Drywallers often worked in clouds of dust without respiratory protection for entire workdays.
Asbestos in Drywall Materials
| Product | Asbestos Content | Exposure Level |
|---|---|---|
| Joint compound (mud) | 3–6% | Very High |
| Textured ceiling spray | 5–15% | Very High |
| Patching compound | 3–6% | High |
| Spackling paste | 3–6% | Moderate |
How Drywallers Were Exposed
Mixing
Joint compound was sold as powder that workers mixed with water:
- Opening bags released asbestos dust
- Mixing created additional airborne fibers
- Dry compound settled throughout work areas
Sanding
The most hazardous task was sanding dried compound:
- Hand sanding created localized dust clouds
- Pole sanding spread dust throughout rooms
- No respiratory protection was typically used
- Workers breathed contaminated air for hours
U.S. Gypsum, Georgia-Pacific, and other major manufacturers produced asbestos-containing joint compound. Many of these companies have established asbestos trust funds.
Work Environments
Drywallers worked in all construction settings:
- Residential construction: Single-family homes, apartments
- Commercial construction: Office buildings, retail
- Institutional: Schools, hospitals, government
- Renovation: Disturbing existing drywall with asbestos
Related Occupations
Drywallers worked alongside:
- Carpenters — Building construction
- Painters — Surface finishing
- Plasterers — Wall finishing
- Electricians — Building systems
- Laborers — Cleanup
Related Industries
Health Consequences
Drywallers are at elevated risk for:
- Mesothelioma: Cancer of the chest or abdominal lining
- Asbestosis: Progressive lung scarring
- Lung cancer: Especially combined with smoking
- Pleural disease: Thickening of lung lining
Legal Options
Drywallers diagnosed with mesothelioma may pursue:
Asbestos Trust Funds
Major joint compound manufacturers have established trusts:
- U.S. Gypsum Trust
- Georgia-Pacific Trust
- National Gypsum Trust
Additional Claims
- Product liability lawsuits: Against joint compound manufacturers
- Premises liability: Against building owners
- Workers’ compensation: Through employer coverage