Walls: Cleaning Indoor Air

Engineered to capture formaldehyde, a new sustainable gypsum product converts this harmful chemical compound as it comes into contact with the board-by typical airflow movement-into an inert substance that is stored in the core of the board. A performance test of this wall system using ISO 16000-23 (indoor air evaluation performance test for evaluating the reduction of formaldehyde concentrations by absorptive building materials) demonstrated that within seven days, the formaldehyde concentrations in the air dropped to close to zero percent, permanently removing the VOCs circulating indoors. Walls that can clean the indoor air provide bonus environmental benefits.

According to the Gypsum Association, even though mold spores are everywhere, "gypsum board does not generate or support the growth of mold when it is properly transported, stored, handled, installed, and maintained."⁴ New technologies using treated paper enhances mold and moisture resistance to meet ASTM standard D3273, "Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber," achieving a score of 10, and an ASTM G21 score of zero for mold resistance, the highest ratings possible.

Design professionals can reduce the wall thickness by 5/8" and still obtain good acoustic properties Illustration courtesy of CertainTeed Gypsum

In addition, new sustainable gypsum wallboards have enhanced acoustical properties. Design professionals who specify double-layer Type X wallboard in order to meet the necessary fire ratings in auditoriums, classrooms and hallways, may want to consider these new gypsum wallboards. Along with improving the acoustical environment, these Type X wallboards are moisture- and mold-resistant, abuse-resistant, and designed for fire-rated wall assemblies.

Indoor, for both air quality-improving gypsum boards and noise-reducing boards, these innovations also provide additional environmental benefits, containing as much as 99 percent total recycled content.