A lot of drywall was imported from China between 2004 and 2006, because of the housing boom and the need to rebuild the homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. According to estimates, enough material was imported to build 100,000 homes. Shortly after, however, problems began to develop in some of the homes is the southern states, where the interior walls were built using Chinese drywall.
Chinese drywall emits higher levels of sulfuric and organic compounds than drywall made in the U.S., and the sulfur fumes emitted caused air-conditioner coils, copper plumbing and electrical wiring to corrode, as well as producing a foul odour such as that of rotten eggs. In addition, the fumes have also been associated with sinus and respiratory problems.
Most of the drywall issues have been limited to the southern states so far, where warm, humid climate encourages the emission of sulfur fumes. If the Chinese drywall was used in other parts of the country as well, where it is drier and cooler, it could be years before homeowners begin to experience the problems associated with the material.
Product Safety – When to Schedule a Chinese Drywall Inspection or Report Drywall Incidents
As mentioned above, Chinese drywall was used during the housing boom that occurred after the devastating 2005 hurricane season that destroyed so many homes in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Of all the material imported, roughly five hundred million pounds of the Chinese sheetrock turned out to be defective.
After thorough testing at state health departments, it has been discovered that Chinese gypsum board contains heavy concentrations of sulfuric and organic compounds, as well as high levels of strontium sulfide – an ingredient which emits the sulfurous odor. The smell becomes noticeable when exposed to warm, moist air.
Initially, Florida residents were the first to report drywall incidents, but any location with warmth and humidity can favor drywall problems. Moreover, some tainted Chinese drywall has been found to contain phosphogypsum, a radioactive substance, further confirming that this drywall poses potential risks.
How to Tell if You Have Defective Chinese Drywall
First of all, the sulfurous smell will be impossible to go unnoticed. Second, any wiring and any metal in contact with the drywall will be corroded, especially copper. Corrosion will be black in color. Appliances and electronics will start to fail without any obvious explanation.
If your drywall is newer than 2001, there is a strong possibility that it is toxic drywall from China. If you examine the drywall closely, you may find Chinese lettering or markings, but a Chinese drywall inspection will find concrete evidence to support the claim.
If you suspect toxic drywall in your home, schedule a drywall inspection right away. Professional inspectors can determine whether this type of drywall was used in your home, and whether removing the drywall and replacing it is necessary. Many homeowners have filed class action lawsuits against contractors when faced with the expense of rebuilding their homes.