The Gypsum Files

Ninety-seven homeowners in four states have joined lawsuits against U.S. drywall manufacturers in the past year, claiming that their drywall is releasing enough sulfur gas to corrode wiring and appliances and cause headaches, nosebleeds, labored breathing and irritated eyes—complaints that until now have been mostly associated with Chinese drywall. Many families have abandoned their homes, fearing long-term health problems. Some are facing foreclosure, or even bankruptcy.

via American-Made Drywall Emerges as Potential Danger – ProPublica.

Photo by Mike Fitzpatrick

Today I discovered a wonderful slide show of the US Gypsum mine and board plant in Shoals, Indiana. The photos date from 1978 — check out that Farrah Fawcett poster in the mine lounge! If you look at the photos individually, there are notes explaining the context.

I was still attending Shoals High School in 1978. Every year USG graciously hosted the local eighth grade class for a tour of the board plant, introducing them to the town’s largest industry.