Drywall dust
is a nuisance.
Sanding is a common technique for smoothing rough edges and removing excess joint compound from drywall, but there are some nasty, sometimes dangerous side effects when doing so if proper precautions are not taken. Drywall dust is not only messy but also may pose a health risk if you do not exercise safe building practices.
The Mess
Sanding drywall sends a cloud of super fine gypsum dust into the air. Because the dust is so fine, it tends to hang in the air and, if there is good air circulation in the house, will drift into other rooms. Once the dust settles, it coats everything and becomes very difficult to remove. It settles into cracks and seams in flooring and can't be swept up because sweeping just sends it flying back into the air to land elsewhere.
Air Conditioning
Whether you have a small window unit or central air, you need to take precautions to prevent the drywall dust from coming into contact with the unit or vents. For example, if a cloud of drywall dust floats over to your air conditioner window unit, it will get sucked in through the air intake vents. Once inside, it will adhere to any moist surface and compound itself, clogging airways and filters, which can ruin the unit. Now imagine the same thing happening to a central air conditioning network. Window units should be turned off and removed and any air vents should be completely covered and taped shut.
Health Concerns
Gypsum is one of the most common components in drywall and is very similar to chalk. If you breathe in a very small amount, it won't be the end of the world; you might sneeze or experience some dryness in your mouth, nose and throat. However, prolonged exposure to drywall dust can lead to much more serious problems, such as lung irritation and long-term respiratory issues. You should always wear a respirator when sanding drywall.
Sponging
Due to the problems associated with drywall, many professionals opt for a wet sanding technique called sponging. A special sanding sponge is dampened with water, then used to smooth rough edges and excess joint compound. After soaking for a short period, usually about 30 seconds or so, the wet areas are scraped with a knife. This process is repeated until the drywall is smooth. Although much more time consuming, this method does not create any dust.
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