A composition for a slurry for manufacture of acoustical panels includes
one or more fillers, one or more binders, water and zinc pyrithione. At
least of the fillers and/or binders includes microbial nutrients in an
amount of at least 1% based on the dry weight of the acoustical panel. In
another embodiment of the invention, acoustical panels include a core
having a plurality of opposing surfaces and being at least 1/8 inches
thick. The core comprises the dried product of a slurry of fillers,
binders and water. Zinc pyrithione is present in at least one of the core
and a coating applied to at least one of the surfaces of the core.