What are the signs of Chinese drywall?

What are the health symptoms and risks of Chinese drywall? The most frequently reported symptoms are irritated and itchy eyes and skin, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, bloody noses, runny noses, recurrent headaches, sinus infection, and asthma attacks.

Why is Chinese drywall so bad?

The contaminated drywall has high levels of sulfur, which may be responsible for a rotten egg smell in affected homes, blackened or corroded pipes, failure of air conditioners and other household appliances, and health problems such as asthma, coughing, headaches, sore throats, and irritated eyes.

Does Chinese drywall have asbestos?

The severity of the Chinese-made drywall (wallboard) issues may be huge, potentially reaching proportions similar only to the asbestos crisis. Basically, only since 2006, more than 550 million pounds of toxic Chinese drywall was imported in the U.S. (according to Sen. Nelson).

How do you test for Chinese drywall?

How do I identify “Chinese” drywall?

1. Corrosive condition exhibited by the corrosion of copper coupon placed inside the home.
2. Markings on the drywall indicating that it was made in China.
3. Elemental Sulfur levels exceeding 10ppm within the drywall of the home. (

Can Chinese drywall affect my Health?

The health effects (respiratory irritation, headaches, sinusitis, eye irritation, throat irritation, malaise/weakness and others) reported by these families are consistent with known health effects from sulfur gases, and with symptoms reported by others living in homes constructed with Chinese drywall.

Can Chinese drywall be fixed?

Repairing Chinese Drywall Replacing drywall is possible to do yourself, but replacing most of the other components should be done by a professional. You may find using a high-efficiency particulate air filter vacuum for cleaning dust and ventilating the home for several hours after removing the drywall helpful.

When did they stop using Chinese drywall?

“Chinese drywall” refers to an environmental health issue involving defective drywall manufactured in China, imported to the United States and used in residential construction between 2001 and 2009 – affecting “an estimated 100,000 homes in more than 20 states.”.

Is Chinese drywall illegal?

The substance has been banned for use in U.S construction since 1989. Tests of drywall samples by the EPA and the Florida Department of Health showed radioactivity at levels no higher than those ordinarily found in the natural environment.

Does the US import drywall from China?

An analysis covering drywall imports since January 2006 showed that more than 550 million pounds (250,000 t) of Chinese drywall was brought into the United States since then, enough to build 60,000 average-sized homes.

When was Chinese drywall banned?

“It also ensures that none of the Chinese drywall that came in in 2006 and 2007 will be recycled and reused in any other homes.” Consumer advocates estimate that 100,000 homes were built with the high-sulfur drywall.

Can Chinese drywall affect my health?

Do you have to disclose Chinese drywall?

Even if the home is sold “as is,” a seller by law has obligation to disclose anything that affects value of the property. There is no law a seller has to do an inspection. If something wrong surfaces, the buyer has to prove the seller knew about it. The average cost of fixing a home with drywall is about $100,000.

Is there a problem with Chinese drywall in the US?

“Chinese drywall” refers to an environmental health issue involving defective drywall manufactured in China, imported to the United States and used in residential construction between 2001 and 2009 – affecting “an estimated 100,000 homes in more than 20 states.”

When did they start importing Chinese drywall?

The drywall in question was imported from 2004-2007 during the height of the housing boom and post-Katrina construction from China. The drywall in question has allegedly been found to emit sulfur-based gases that are eating away at homes and spiking health concerns among affected residents.

How can you tell if your house has Chinese drywall?

Since some imported drywall doesn’t appear to cause a problem, the best way to know if your house is at risk is the sulfur smell and by checking the copper in appliances for signs of corrosion. Tests on samples can then be conducted to confirm the presence of contaminants.

Do you need to vacate your home if you have Chinese drywall?

Thus, if the weather is still moderate enough to allow for open windows and nobody in the home is particularly young, old, or sick, you probably don’t need to immediately vacate your home, but it’s always best to contact a physician if you are at all suspicious about being exposed.