Most of us live and work surrounded by drywall every day, yet many still worry it might be harmful. Misunderstanding often comes from a lack of clarity on where the real risks are.

Drywall itself, made of natural gypsum and paper layers, is generally safe. The health risks mainly come from dust during installation or demolition, not from the finished product.

Drywall is in almost every type of building, from small apartments to luxury homes. I have seen this in countless projects. The truth is, the material itself is not the threat. The danger is in the fine particles released when cutting or sanding. With the right safety steps, this risk is easy to control.

Do luxury homes use drywall?

People often assume that luxury homes avoid drywall in favor of “better” materials. This belief comes from the image of high-end design using exotic finishes. But the reality is surprising.

Luxury homes use drywall widely, often choosing premium types like moisture-resistant, fire-rated, or soundproof versions for specific rooms.

I have walked through million-dollar homes during construction. Behind the expensive marble, custom cabinetry, and artful lighting, I often find plain gypsum board walls. The difference is in the choice of drywall grade and the wall finish.
Advanced drywall products are common in luxury builds. For example:

Luxury projects may combine several types for one home. This creates safety, comfort, and long-term durability that match the value of the property.

How bad is drywall for your lungs?

Some people think even being near drywall will harm the lungs. In truth, the danger is not in the installed panel but in the particles released during work.

Inhaling drywall dust can irritate your airways. Short exposure may cause coughing, throat irritation, or breathing difficulty, especially for people with asthma or sensitive lungs.

When drywall is cut, sanded, or demolished, fine gypsum and paper fibers mix with the air. These particles can go deep into the respiratory system. I have experienced mild irritation after a day on-site without a mask.
The solution is simple. Work in well-ventilated spaces, wear an N95 or similar respirator, and clean surfaces after the job. Dust control measures such as wet sanding or using vacuum attachments can greatly lower airborne particles. While the dust can cause discomfort, it generally does not cause long-term harm in occasional, low-level exposure. Only chronic, unmanaged exposure could become a serious occupational hazard.

What are the risks of drywall?

The word “risk” can make drywall sound dangerous. But when we look closely, most concerns are about use conditions, not the board itself.

The main risks are dust inhalation during work, mold growth if kept wet, and rare defective batches with harmful chemicals, such as the mid-2000s Chinese drywall case.

I remember the news in the mid-2000s about imported drywall releasing hydrogen sulfide gas. That was a rare manufacturing flaw. Today’s products pass strict safety checks before reaching the market.
The bigger, real-world risks are mold from water damage and irritation from dust. Mold can form on the paper facing in humid environments if leaks are not addressed. The table below shows these risks more clearly:

With the right handling, drywall remains a safe, practical, and almost unavoidable part of modern construction.

Conclusion

Drywall is safe when used correctly. The key is proper installation, dust control, and choosing the right type for the environment.