For those who have been waiting for some official information from Florida, The Florida Department of Health maintains a page with current information about investigations into the Chinese Drywall issue.  It contains info about how to determine if your home fits their investigation criteria as well as links to various other State of Florida articles concerning this issue. According to the site, they are expecting to update it often.

Florida Information

Markings on some Chinese drywall

Although this topic is a bit out of context for the Green and Easy Home, I’ve mentioned it before and it does appear to have an impact on indoor air quality.  In following information about this issue I’m struck with a couple of observations:

• There is very little hard scientific evidence available on just what is going on
• Most of what you read on the internet is just a repeat of previous articles repackaged
• There is an awful lot of speculation and sensationalism going on over this topic

People are looking for quick answers especially if they have or suspect they have Chinese drywall installed in their home.  The bottom line at this point is that there are no quick answers.  Testing methods have dubious results since long term studies just haven’t been conducted yet or are not complete.

Right now, it still seems that the best methods for determining the presence of this material are listed below.  These methods have shortfalls as noted:

• Visually confirming by seeing certain words printed on the back.  It is possible that any given home may have drywall from several sources.  This makes it difficult to find.  There could be one sheet of Chinese drywall in the home, or their could be one sheet of U.S. drywall there.  Random sampling may miss the few sheets located in the home.
• The sulfur or “rotten egg” smell.  There are many different items in the home that can cause a similar smell such as a water heater left unused for some time.   Sources of smells can be difficult to determine as perceptions can be different to different people.
• Corrosion of copper components in the house such as electrical connections or Air conditioning coils.  For years, as a home
  

  Black condition of coils on A/C unit

  inspector, I have been noting a condition which we refer to as “black copper”.  Electrical wiring is generally affected by this and appears either with a shiny black sheen or in some cases a powdery substance.  This condition pre-existed any importing of Chinese drywall.  Before jumping to conclusions, make sure you are sure you’ve explored all possibilities.

Unfortunately, this appears to be a large problem which is not going to go away and the scope will probably continue to grow.  Beware of those looking to get rich quick through someone elses misfortune.  If you want to know about your home, hire a professional who is knowledgeable and can provide accurate and unbiased information about the issue.

If you live anywhere but in Florida, you may have missed some of the recent headlines and news about a problem with homes affected by the use of a drywall material from China.  This material, which apparently was brought in to cover shortages brought on by the housing boom and the need to rebuild hurricane ravaged areas, was primarily imported from 2004 through 2006.  There is much speculation and many rumors floating around including improper documentation on arrival at port and long delays at sea waiting for approval to enter the U.S.   Read More