Hazardous Chinese Drywall

Apparently these chemicals are outgassing from the drywall, and when combined with carbon monoxide, are producing unhealthy effects on both the home and its occupants. Outgases produced from the Hazardous Chinese drywall are smelly and corrosive. The smell is akin to rotten eggs, and the corrosive element attacks electrical and mechanical equipment within the home, including air conditioning systems, appliances, electronics, electrical wiring and copper plumbing.

In regards to the suspected health threats to humans, the answer still appears to be inconclusive. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) they have received nearly 2000 reports from residents in 30 states, Puerto Rico and Washington DC claiming health symptoms and the corrosion of metal components within their homes due to the use of Hazardous Chinese drywall. The reports indicate that people are experiencing health symptoms including itchy skin and eyes, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, sinus infections, bloody and runny noses, frequent headaches and asthma attacks.

They also report that these symptoms abate when they leave their homes, and return when they go back to their homes. The CPSC, however, has yet to confirm causality between the Hazardous Chinese drywall and the symptoms described in these reports. They continue though to investigate this issue, and look for a relationship between the two, and to determine if there are any long term health effects.

How to Check for Hazardous Chinese Drywall in your Home

Reports indicate that Hazardous Chinese drywall was used in U.S. home construction between 2001 and 2007. Tell tale signs and methods for determining whether or not you have Hazardous Chinese drywall in your home include:

• The smell of foul rotten eggs within your home, particularly on hot, humid days.
• The smell of ammonia.
• Corrosion on electrical wiring and copper plumbing fixtures (Look for blackened surfaces on wiring, but don’t touch live electrical wires!)
• Corrosion on Air Conditioning Systems. Again, look for blackened surfaces.
• Go up in your attic and look at the back side of the drywall to see if it is labeled with “Knauf”, “Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin (KPT), and/or “Made in China”. Note, just because you do not see these markings on the ceiling drywall doesn’t mean you do not necessarily have Hazardous Chinese Drywall in your home. It just means it was not used on the ceiling.
• Wherever possible check for labels on the backside of the drywall in other places, for example in laundry rooms, basements, and other places where the drywall was left unfinished.

What to Do if You Suspect Hazardous Chinese Drywall in your Home

If you think your home has Hazardous Chinese drywall in it, your best bet is to first contact an environmental testing company and have it tested. If it indeed is Hazardous Chinese drywall, then contact your builder and homeowner’s insurance company.

The only proper solution is to completely remove and replace the existing drywall. However do not attempt to remove the drywall yourself. Instead contact an abatement company who specializes in Hazardous Chinese drywall removal. Once you have confirmed Hazardous Chinese drywall in your home, there are number of steps you can take to mitigate the negative effects of it until you have it removed. Open doors and windows as often as possible to dissipate the drywall out-gasses. Maintain cooler temperatures in the home by using the air conditioner and dehumidifier. Limit your time in the home until the drywall is removed.

For more information see the Consumer Product Safety Commission.