Low-Dust Drywall Joint Compounds

Low-dust joint compounds causes particles to bind together during sanding operations.

Risks Addressed:

 

Sanding drywall compound is a high dust activity that in the absence of controls would place workers at risk of chronic throat and airway irritation, coughing, phlegm production, and breathing difficulties. The ACGIH recommends that airborne concentrations of insoluble or poorly soluble Particles Not Otherwise Specified (PNOS) be kept below 3 mg/m3 for respirable particles (less than 10 micrometer diameter) and 10 mg/m3 for inhalable particles (less than 100 micrometer diameter). The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Particles Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR) is 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction and 15 mg/m3 for total dust.
 
Silica is often present in drywall compound and prolonged exposure may lead to lung disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung scarring and silicosis. Silicosis is an incurable, sometimes fatal disease. The NIOSH-recommended exposure limit (REL) for silica is 0.05 mg/m3 as a time-weighted average concentration for up to a 10-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. This is one-half of the OSHA standard when the dust is pure silica, but still twice the ACGIH-recommended threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.025 mg/m3.

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:

 

The composition of low-dust joint compounds causes particles to bind together during sanding. These larger particles quickly fall to the floor, reducing the potential for exposure to airborne dust and silica. For continuous use, a respiratory protection program and respirators may still be required.

 

Availability

United States Gypsum Company Sheetrock Lightweight All Purpose Joint Compound with Dust Control
contact 1-800-950-3839

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