Chinese Drywall

Air sampling not the best method for testing defective Chinese drywall

EMSL Analytical offers testing solutions for imported drywall.
With numerous media reports of imported Chinese drywall causing unpleasant odors and damage to building materials EMSL Analytical has been busy testing samples from across the country.

The problem appears to be related to the presence of iron disulfide (FeS2 pyrite). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon disulfide (CS2) are also suspected as culprits. EMSL Analytical has recently developed a procedure that can accurately compare certain sulfur gasses contained in suspect drywall versus control samples.

Air sampling methods (such as EPA TO-15 and ASTM D5504) do not consistently identify spaces with other odorous drywall symptoms, such as odors, irritation, and copper corrosion. There are so many factors, including temperature, moisture, HVAC operation, etc., that affect what is present in the air that other sampling methods should be utilized. Bulk testing has proven to be the most reliable testing methods. EMSL can show that the material differs in composition from normal, non-problem drywall by XRF/XRD microscopy. This test alone may not tell the whole story.

Another important test is a copper corrosion test that EMSL has developed. For those important projects, the consultant should consider performing all of the tests listed above.

http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=21001&codi=60585&lr=1

The Florida Department of Health recently launched a website to help owners indifty contamintated drywall both internally and domestic
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/indoor-air/casedefinition.html

Chinese drywall found in Tampa homes

TAMPA – Toxic Chinese drywall has been discovered in several new homes in the Hampton Lakes subdivision in Tampa.

Builder Beazer Homes says 18 homes in the neighborhood appear to have the dangerous drywall.

Resident Robert Morris bought his three-story town home in the subdivision two years ago. At the time, it felt like the perfect buy. But he says it doesn’t feel that way anymore.

The coils on his air conditioner are black with corrosion. Morris says he knew little about toxic Chinese drywall until the letters started coming from Beazer Homes last month. The mounting air conditioner repair bills suddenly made sense.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/tampa_homes_chinese_drywall_082009

1. BarlowMable29 says:

   December 11, 2011 at 6:35 am

   I had got a desire to begin my organization, nevertheless I did not earn enough amount of cash to do that. Thank goodness my dude proposed to use the loan. So I received the sba loan and realized my dream.
2. Jean12345 says:

   July 17, 2011 at 1:11 am

   I just bought a new home in 2010 from Centerline builders in Orlando. I am scared because in 6 months the ClosetMaid vinyl shelves with steel are deteriorating and smelling of gas vapors in the linen closet and pantry. I was told noone had any Chinese drywall to sneak into new homes anymore. Could substandard, subcontractors be getting rid of it in brand new homes today? I was scared because for the first time in 45 years I started getting bad headaches when I breathed in the gas every day in the master bath. I threw the sticky, discoloring, shelves outside and the smell went away. I am a little scared because the electric circuits have to be reset every week or I flip the switch to turn the fuse back on. The new flatscreens have red static in them occasionally and they are different brands. What made the shelves deteriorate? Please let me know if I am worrying for nothing. Did the government ban the use of these products and destroy them so they wont show up in brand new homes today? Thanks for the advice, I hate to worry. I didn’t think to research the builder.