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One of the strongest selling points of MgO Sulfate Board in the international market—especially in regions like Australia, the US, and Europe—is its safety profile compared to traditional materials.

The short answer is: High-quality MgO Sulfate boards do not contain asbestos, and they typically contain zero or trace amounts of crystalline silica.

Here is the detailed breakdown:

1. Asbestos-Free

• The Reality: Asbestos has been banned in most countries for decades, but it is still a concern with some cheap mineral imports.
• MgO Board Status: Modern MgO Sulfate boards are 100% Asbestos-Free. Because the core material is a mineral cement made from magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate, there is no functional reason to include asbestos.
• Verification: Always ask for an NT (Non-Toxic) Certification or a specific Asbestos-Free Test Report from the manufacturer to satisfy local building regulations.

2. Crystalline Silica (The “Silicosis” Risk)

This is currently the most significant health topic in the construction industry.

• The Problem with Fiber Cement: Traditional fiber cement boards often contain high amounts of crystalline silica (sand). When workers cut these boards with power saws, they inhale fine silica dust, which can lead to silicosis, a fatal lung disease.
• The MgO Advantage: MgO Sulfate boards are typically formulated using perlite or other lightweight aggregates instead of silica sand.
• Health Safety: Most MgO Sulfate boards are classified as having “No Crystalline Silica” or “Non-detectable” levels. This makes them much safer for installers to cut on-site compared to fiber cement.

3. VOCs and Formaldehyde

• Chemical Stability: Unlike particleboard, OSB, or some gypsum products that use glues and resins, MgO Sulfate boards are an inorganic mineral reaction.
• Results: They are Zero-VOC and Formaldehyde-Free. They do not “off-gas,” making them ideal for chemically sensitive individuals or “Green Building” projects (LEED certified).