"Chinese drywall" became part of the American lexicon several years ago and it was not long before a negative connotation became associated with it.
Domestic building materials were in short supply during the housing boom between 2004 and 2007 and in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In an effort to fill the supply gap, drywall was imported, predominately from China, because it was cheap and plentiful. Soon thereafter, complaints arose regarding strong odors and respiratory ailments due to the elevated levels of airborne hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds contaminated drywall has been found to emit. Likewise, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) began fielding complaints regarding corrosion of metal items (i.e., refrigerator, electrical wiring, air conditioning evaporator coils, etc.). These health and corrosion complaints were concentrated in the southeastern U.S.; the elevated concentration of health and corrosion complaints have been attributed to the domestic drywall supply issues noted above and the findings that humid environments (i.e., the SE U.S.) tend to increase the production of these offgases.
The CPSC has recently published reports highlighting their findings from a 51-home indoor air study, non-destructive evaluations, as well as preliminary electrical, and fire safety components corrosion study findings. In summary, the studies found:
- The preliminary findings indicate that the imported drywall does not pose a severe health hazard to occupants. The CPSC cautions that the studies are not conclusive and more analysis is required.
- Using electron microscope imaging and chemical analysis of the observed corrosion on components, multiple forms of copper corrosion were observed. Two other forms of corrosion were analyzed. The electrical component samples had visual signs of corrosion of copper wiring. Even so, there were no indications of significant overheating of conductors or conductive parts due to the corrosion events.
To read Draft Indoor Environment Qualifty Assessment of Residences report, click on:
http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/51homeStudy.pdf
Details of the electrical and fire safety component corrosion study findings can be viewed at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/prelimelectrical.pdf
Again, the findings detailed above are strictly preliminary and CPSC continues to evaluate health hazards and electrical component corrosion effects by imported/Chinese drywall.
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