If your home was constructed or renovated between 2001 and 2009, it may be possible that your home contains drywall products that were manufactured in China. Chinese drywall products have gained the attention of consumer protection agencies because of health concerns and corrosive qualities that affect the metal in other areas of the home.
Exactly How Did This Happen?
During our series of construction booms in the 2000s, building materials in the United States were in short supply. This was particularly true for drywall, added to that were repairs needed in South Florida during our active hurricane seasons during that time.
Due to inadequate quality control in China, this product made its way to our shores via importers trying to keep up with construction demand. Unfortunately, many homeowners are paying the price for this “solution”. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has received nearly 4,000 reports from residents in 42 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico who believe their health symptoms or corrosion in their homes and buildings are due to this Chinese drywall…Although cases of defective corrosive Chinese drywall have appeared throughout the country, the states hardest hit were here in Florida and parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.
What Makes Chinese Drywall Defective and Corrosive?
Emissions from these drywall products corrode the plumbing and electrical systems and have also been blamed for health issues such as headaches and respiratory problems. Discoloration of copper, brass and other metal surfaces inside the home are telltale signs that this defective drywall was used. The State of Florida has even developed a case definition for defective Chinese drywall. The indicators that are associated with this are:
- The home was constructed or renovated between 2001 and 2009.
- Corrosion has been observed on air conditioning evaporator coils or on copper tubing components, This corrosion may result in refrigerant leakage. Coil failures of this nature occur every 6 to 14 months.
- Metal corrosion has been observed by blackening of one or more of the following: copper wires, ground wires, electrical connectors, uninsulated and uncoated copper pipes and fittings, chrome plated bathroom or kitchen fixtures, silver or copper jewelry, or mirror backing in bathrooms.
- Elemental sulfur in the drywall core.
- Strong sulfur gas smell
Other indications that you may have toxic Chinese drywall in your home are:
- Sulfurous odors coming from the walls
- Black metal corrosion (green is normal)
- Black corrosion on wiring
- Appliance failures
- Chinese characters or “Made in China” or the word “Knauf” marked on drywall.
The Only Solution
The only solution if you find that you have this product in your home is the removal and replacement of the drywall. Unlike other materials, this phosphogypsum-based drywall cannot be sealed with paint. Homeowners have had mixed results when seeking assistance with the financial burdens of remediation from class action suits.
Health Complaints Due to Chinese Drywall
Some homeowners and occupants of the affected building have had health complaints they feel are a direct result of the Chinese drywall they have been exposed to. A complex group of symptoms has been dubbed CDS or Chinese/Corrosive Drywall Syndrome.
Samples Tested by the CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission tested drywall samples from China that were manufactured in 2005, 2006, and 2009. These samples showed high levels of hydrogen sulfide in addition to sulfur dioxide, carbon disulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and ethyl mercaptan. The samples that gave off the highest levels of chemicals were those that were exposed to hot and humid conditions as they would be in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Conversely, drywall samples manufactured in the United States showed low or undetectable levels of those chemicals.
Call a Professional at Florida Inspections Unlimited
If you suspect that you have defective Chinese drywall in your home or building, contact the professional environmental building inspectors at Florida Inspections Unlimited because not all drywall originating in China has these corrosive characteristics, we can help determine the specific drywall material that is in your home or building. We will conduct a thorough visual inspection including attics, electrical systems, and HVAC systems. In this way, you can ensure that all defective drywall has been located and is removed. Another inspection method would be a small piece of drywall that will be sent to a laboratory for testing. We can only guarantee that 100% of the lab sample that was sent does or does not have defective corrosive Chinese drywall. However, at Florida Inspections Unlimited, our inspections include a site investigation inspection, digital report with pictures, and lab results.
When it comes to Chinese drywall inspections, Florida Inspections Unlimited provides expert inspection services to locate any defective drywall products in your home or building. Our service areas cover Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County. Miami, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, Homestead, South Miami, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Dania Beach, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Southwest Ranches, Davie, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Sunny Isles, and Aventura.
For fast, thorough, and professional environmental inspection services in Miami and throughout South Florida, call Florida Inspections Unlimited in Miami Dade County: 305-910-1171 or Broward County: 954-861-0666.