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MICROBIAL RESISTANT GYPSUM PRODUCTS
Citation:
DEAN, T. R., D. BETANCOURT, M. Y. MENETREZ, D. L. FRANKE, AND K. K. FOARDE. MICROBIAL RESISTANT GYPSUM PRODUCTS. In Proceedings, Indoor Environmental Quality: Problems, Research and Solutions, Durham, NC, July 17 - 19, 2006. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, NA, (2006).
Description:
Gypsum building materials often become wet, resulting in mold growth that leads to health and productivity impacts. A major source of mold growth is gypsum wallboard since nearly 90% of the interior finished surfaces of buildings are covered with gypsum products. It has been estimated that upwards of 40% of all homes in North America contain fungal growth on wallboard. The rapid growth and dispersion of mold can induce allergy and asthma episodes, and sometimes produces severe illnesses. There are gypsum products that can reduce mold growth in the indoor environment. However, there is no accepted testing and verification program to guide consumers and building professionals. This paper discusses standardized testing methods and product verification through the EPA's Environmental Technology Verification–Environmental and Sustainable Technology Evaluation (ETV-ESTE) program.