Tech update: Contaminated plasterboard

Applicable sections of the Technical Manual

Appendix C.1 – Materials, Products, and Building Systems

Background 

In the past, we’ve seen some issues with plasterboard contamination from boards sourced from China. The issues in particular related to bad odours emitting from the plasterboard and very early deterioration of metals in contact with the board.   

Recommendations

Designers need to be careful and mindful of potential issues with any products used in construction, particularly those that use materials that are essentially mined/quarried.  
Plasterboards should satisfy Appendix C of our Technical Manual.

Gypsum plasterboard products should be checked to ensure they meet BS EN 520:2004 Gypsum plasterboards — Definitions, requirements and test methods (incorporating Corrigendum July 2006 and further amendment dated 28.02.2010 - Implementation of CEN amendment A1:2009).

Clause 8 of the standard advises; Gypsum plasterboards complying with this standard shall be clearly marked on the board or on the accompanying label or on the packaging or on the accompanying commercial documents (e.g. a delivery note) with the following items:

• Reference to the BS EN 520
• Trademark or other means of identification of the producer of the plasterboard
• Date of production
• Means of identifying the plasterboards and relating them to their designation according to Clause 7 of BS EN 520