Solution Summary: Low-Dust Drywall Joint Compounds
Description:
Low-dust drywall joint compound is a substitute for traditional drywall joint compound that generates a large amount of total and respirable dust which may contain crystalline silica. Unlike traditional joint compounds, the fine particles created when low-dust joint compounds are sanded bind together to form large particles. These larger particles quickly fall to the floor, reducing the potential for exposure to airborne dust and silica. If sanding is brief and intermittent, this may reduce exposures enough that a respiratory protection program isn’t required. Continuous use may exceed the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit, even with the use of low-dust joint compounds, however.
CertainTeed Easi-Fil Dust Away Joint Compound
- Used for filling, repairing and finishing drywall joints, trims and fasteners.
- Cost: $18 for a 3.17 gallon pail
- Available in 0.5, 1.19 and 3.17 gallon pails (2, 4.5 and 12 liters)
- Approximate coverage is 1/3 of a gallon of compound per 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of drywall, depending upon the number of beads, amount of trim and thickness of joint compound applied.
- Drying time will vary with temperature and humidity.
- Sanding should be done with a wet sponge or 150 grit, or finer, dry sand paper
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(Photo courtesy of Certainteed)
- Used by professionals for filling, repairing and finishing drywall joints, trims and fasteners.
- Cost: $17 for a 3.7 gallons box
- Available in a 3.5 gallon box (13.5 liters)
- Approximate coverage is 9.3 to 11.9 gallons of joint compound per 1000 square feet of wallboard, depending upon the number of beads, amount of trim and thickness of joint compound applied.
- Drying time will vary with temperature and humidity.
- Sanding should be done with a wet sponge or 150 grit, or finer, dry sand paper
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- Used for remodeling and repair projects. Not recommended for skim coat applications.
- Cost: contact the United States Gypsum Company for a quote
- Available in 3.5 gallon pails and 3.5 gallon boxes
- Approximate coverage is 9.4 gallons of joint compound per 1000 square feet of wallboard, depending upon the number of beads, amount of trim and thickness of joint compound applied.
- Under conditions of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent humidity, Sheetrock joint compound should dry in about 24 hours. Higher humidity and/or lower temperatures will increase drying times.
- Sanding with 150 grit sand paper or 220 grit mesh cloth, or finer, is recommended
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Risks Addressed:
In evaluations conducted during drywall finishing, NIOSH observed 9 of 11 exposures above the 15 mg/m3 OSHA PEL for total dust and some more than 10 times the PEL.
How Risks are Reduced:
Effects on Productivity:
Additional Considerations:
Using a dust collection system or wet sanding in addition to the low-dust joint compound would greatly reduce exposures.
Contributors:
Bruce Lippy, PhD, CIH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training
Availability
CertainTeed Easi-Fil Dust Away Joint Compound & Dust Away Renovation Mud Joint Compound
To obtain information, visit Easi-fil Dust Away and Renovation Mud Joint Compound
or contact 1-800-233-8990
United States Gypsum Company Sheetrock Lightweight All Purpose Joint Compound with Dust Control
contact 1-800-950-3839