Joint compound, or drywall compound, is a white substance that is used to seal joints between sheets of drywall during building construction. This product is available as a pre-mixed paste that may be applied immediately and a dry mix powder that is combined with water at the construction site. Joint compound products that were manufactured before 1978 commonly contained asbestos fibers due to its resistance to heat, moisture and insects.

Uses of Joint Compound

Joint compound may be used to fill cracks, smooth rough spots, patch holes in plaster or drywall and seal pipes and joints. This product may be used to remove or conceal imperfections in walls, such as:

Drilled-in screws
Hanging tape
Drywall tape

Joint compound may also be used as a finish on the following surfaces:

Panel joints
Trim
Fasteners
Wallboard
Ceilings
Drywall

Asbestos joint compound may improve the working texture of the surface where it is applied and is used during new construction and remodeling of older homes. This product has been found to contain 5 percent or less asbestos.

Dangers of Joint Compound

Dry mix asbestos joint compound is mixed with water on-site during construction or renovation and can create a large amount of dust. The dust created from the application or removal of joint compound may contain asbestos fibers.

After application, both the dry mix powder and the ready-mix paste dry in hours. Several coats of joint compound may be needed, and after each new coat, the dried product is sanded down before new applications to create an even, smooth surface. This process creates a seamless area between drywall boards and a smooth texture over the drywall flaws.

Pole sanding and hand sanding of the joint compound may release asbestos fibers that were contained in the joint compound into the air. Sanding may create approximately 5.3 million to 10 million asbestos fibers per cubic meter of air.

Cleaning and sweeping excess dust and debris after sanding or grinding may re-emit asbestos fibers into the air. Those living or working nearby may also have been exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos joint compound that is in good condition may not pose a health risk, but joint compound that has worn down and begun to disintegrate can emit asbestos fibers into the air.

The inhalation and ingestion of asbestos fibers that have been emitted from joint compound may cause serious health conditions. Once the fibers have entered the body, they may lodge in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. The prolonged irritation of the organ lining may result in the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases years later.

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The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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