Some new and rebuilt homes may contain drywall that is causing a health controversy.
Homeowners in some areas of the country blame Chinese plasterboard, also known as drywall, for impairing their health, damaging their houses and releasing noxious odors. The Chinese plasterboard industry denies that there is a definitive link between its products and the ailments experienced by U.S. homeowners. There are a number of lawsuits pending over the matter. Ongoing government-sponsored testing has neither confirmed nor dismissed the claims of property owners.
Source of the Concern
Following the devastating 2005 hurricane season, tons of imported plasterboard from China was used to rebuild homes and businesses in Florida, Louisiana and other states along the Gulf Coast. People living in these new or rebuilt homes complained of poor health. A study done for the Florida Department of Health by a private laboratory, Unified Engineering, found the drywall in these homes emitted a sulfurous odor when exposed to heat and moisture. It also found an unusual amount of corrosion on electrical components in the homes tested.
Health Claims
People living in these homes claim they are not safe. Residents report a variety of physical ailments, including asthma attacks, bloody noses, congestion, coughing, headaches, hair loss, hives, eye irritation, muscle pain, miscarriages, sneezing, sinus problems and trouble breathing. A condition labeled Chinese Drywall Fatigue (CDF) has also been identified. Those who claim to suffer from it say they are so tired that they fall asleep on the job because the air in their homes is noxious and disrupts sleep. They describe themselves as feeling "blah" or "out of sorts." Pets living in the homes also exhibit signs of respiratory distress, according to the hundreds of formal complaints received by the Florida Health Department.
Impact on Homes
The fumes, besides giving off a "rotten egg" smell, may cause corrosive damage, according to government studies. Among the homes tested, corrosion can be found on copper electrical wiring, air conditioning units, household electronics (such as televisions), kitchen appliances and even jewelry. Consumers also claim that the drywall poses an increased risk of fire, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Conclusion
Federal, state and local agencies continue to investigate the claims of property owners. An April 2010 preliminary report from the federal government on sampling of some homes says, in part: "Based on a limited preliminary study of 10 drywall samples, there appears to be no difference in the presence or absence of sulfur-reducing bacteria between imported Chinese drywall and U.S. domestic drywall." The Florida Health Department says it "is undetermined" whether the drywall poses health risks.
Tags: Chinese plasterboard, claims property, claims property owners, drywall poses, Florida Health, Florida Health Department, Health Department