Chinese Drywall

Does Chinese drywall pose health risks?

Preliminary data indicates that some Chinese drywall emits gases that contain sulfur and other chemicals. The gases that are emitted can smell like “rotten eggs” and may irritate the respiratory system. However, current health data do not suggest any immediate or chronic health problems associated with Chinese drywall.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continues to collect and assess data as it is made available. Some of the gases emitted from Chinese drywall can corrode metals, in particular, copper.

Corroded metals such as brass fittings, copper coils, and electrical wires may pose an immediate health risk. Leaking gas pipes and air conditioning units may expose you to Freon and natural gas.

Corroded electrical wires may affect the normal functioning of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Freon is a proprietary name for chlorofluorocarbons that are commonly used in refrigeration and air-conditioning units.

Freon 22 as well as newer refrigerants are commonly used. Chlorofluorocarbons used for refrigeration/air-conditioning would not be expected to pose a health risk to homeowners should a leak develop.

At extremely high chlorofluorocarbon concentrations individuals have experienced heart beat abnormalities, loss of coordination, narcosis, and dizziness.

If a natural gas leak is suspected you should contact your local gas company.

The presence of Chinese drywall does not necessarily mean that there will be effects to you or your home. Most drywall from China will be labeled on the back of the drywall with made in China, however, it is possible that drywall from China may not have any markings. It is also possible that a home could contain both drywall made in the U.S. and drywall made in China.

Homes considered to potentially be affected by Chinese drywall would have been built after 2003 and meet two of the following:

• 1) The presence of sulfur-like or other unusual odors
• 2) Drywall labeled made in China
• 3) Observed copper corrosion, indicated by black, sooty coating of un-insulated copperpipe leading to the air-conditioned
• 4) Documented failure of air conditioner evaporator coil (located inside the airconditioning
• unit)
• 5) Confirmation by an outside expert or professional of the presence of premature copper
• corrosion on un-insulated copper wires and/or air conditioner evaporator coils (inside the
• air conditioning unit)

If you think that your home has been affected by Chinese drywall you should contact a licensed professional. Plumbers, electricians, building contractors, home inspectors, environmental contractors, heating and air conditioning contractors, and other licensed professionals may be able to assist with evaluating damage to your home.

VDH is not aware of any remedy other than complete removal and replacement of the drywall. Painting the drywall, or the use of ozone generators have not been proven effective.

You should first start by contacting the builder and the Consumers Product Safety Commission or calling their toll-free consumer hotline: 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).

VDH continues to monitor the evolving Chinese drywall issue and any potential impacts on public health. We encourage you to check back often for updates and any new developments.

If you need further information regarding the health effects of Chinese drywall, please contact the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Environmental Epidemiology, 109 Governor Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, or call (804)-864-8182.

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