Drywall use in 1945

[southcenterline]

I would like to know a bit more about a drywall or drywall like construction used in a house built in 1945. The walls in this house are not plaster, but they aren't drywall either. I was told during this time frame that there was a material used called Rock Wall or something like this. I've not been able to find out any information on this. Any one out there have any idea of what these walls are made of? They have a texture that reminds me of drywall done with a knock down finish. I've been told that these are the orginal walls that haven't been replaced over the years.

[HayZee518]

that product is one of two things. homosote is a pressed gray cardboard item and is uniform gray throughout while what you are referring to was a gypsum wallboard product - white on the outside but a beige friable compressed gypsum product on the inside. IT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS! Gypsum is a minable mineral found in beds along with asbestos.

[southcenterline]

If abestos is naturally found along with gypsum then isn't there some of it in todays wall board? I am assuming that most any early wall board would have some in it. As long as it wasn't damaged and a good coat of paint that there wouldn't be a health hazzard?