GREENGUARD Gold Certified Drywall vs. Drywall with Formaldehyde
When most people think about air quality, they focus on ventilation, filters, or maybe the presence of mold. But what if the problem is baked right into your walls?
Drywall is one of the most common building materials in residential construction—and also one of the most overlooked when it comes to health and sustainability. The truth is, not all drywall is created equal.
If you care about indoor air quality (and you should), it’s time to start paying attention to what’s behind your paint.
❌ NOT THAT: Drywall with Formaldehyde
Many conventional drywall products are manufactured using adhesives or additives that contain formaldehyde—a known carcinogen and a major contributor to indoor air pollution.
Why that matters:
Off-gasses formaldehyde and VOCs into your living space
Can cause eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation
Triggers asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues
Poses a greater risk for children, the elderly, and those with sensitivities
Not recognized by any green building or healthy home standard
If you’re building a better, more conscious home, this is not a place to cut corners.
✅ USE THIS: GREENGUARD Gold Certified Drywall
GREENGUARD Gold Certification is a trusted third-party standard that verifies a product has low chemical emissions—making it safe for use in homes, schools, healthcare settings, and anywhere indoor air quality matters.
Why GREENGUARD Gold drywall is the better choice:
Rigorously tested for low VOC and chemical emissions
Helps meet LEED, WELL, and other healthy building certifications
Improves indoor air quality immediately and long-term
Safe for families, renters, and sensitive individuals
Often comparable in cost to traditional drywall
Brands like CertainTeed AirRenew, USG Sheetrock UltraLight, and others offer GREENGUARD Gold–certified options that are easy to source and install.
🧱 Build from the Inside Out
Drywall covers more square footage in a home than almost any other material. So if you’re investing in sustainability and wellness, it’s a smart place to start.
Don’t let hidden toxins live in your walls.
Choose drywall that supports the health of your home—and everyone in it.
Thoughtfully remaking homes for people and the planet,
Jake