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Normally
gypsum sheetrock is a relatively harmless material, but when disposed of
in landfills or dumped in the ocean, it can become a hazard to the
environment, releasing toxic gases and leachates in areas of high
rainfall. When combined with
anaerobic bacteria, organic matter, and water, gypsum sheetrock can create
hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), which causes harm to fish and in
high enough quantities can harm humans, too (Musick,
1992). Gypsum is a basic material, chemically
speaking. Therefore, when gypsum leaks into the ground, it can
significantly raise the pH of the soil and groundwater (Harler
1998).
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