Frequently Asked Questions:

Please consider the following answers are based on the best available information and are subject to periodical review and revision as Department of Health (DOH) continues to research the issues. Please check back often to review additional questions/answers and revisions.

Health Hazard  Test Home  Do I have it?  Evaluate Home  Repair Home  Known Treatment
Gas Absorption Re-emission 

Does this phenomenon pose a health hazard to me, my children, or pets?

This is undetermined at this time. DOH has not identified data suggesting an imminent or chronic health hazard at this time. DOH will continue to review all available data to help determine a more definitive answer to this question.

Will the Health Department sample and test my home for corrosive gasses or for the presence of Chinese drywall?

At this time DOH does not have the necessary resources to visit homes and collect air or material samples for analysis.  DOH visited 12 homes in late January of 2009 and collected representative samples of drywall during the visits. Samples are currently being analyzed for content. The laboratory analysis should be transmitted to DOH in March of 2009.

How do I know if I have “Chinese drywall”?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. The most definitive method to date is finding a “made in China” marking on the back of sheet of drywall. DOH observed some drywall in several homes with no discernable markings. The origin of the unmarked drywall is unknown. DOH observed that homes with marked Chinese drywall also contained drywall marked as made in USA. Remember that we do not know how many sheets of the suspect drywall can cause problems. DOH did observe at least one home with marked Chinese drywall with none of the associated corrosion or odor problems. The bottom line is we think the question should really be “Does my house have corrosion problems?”

Who can evaluate my home for this issue?

Environmental consultants, licensed plumbers, electricians, air-conditioning contractors, mechanical contractors and drywall contractors, home inspectors, your builder, electrical engineers, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning engineers, industrial hygienists, building scientists to name a few. Be advised that each group will bring with them their own specialized expertise and experience.

Who can repair, remediate or fix my home?

There are no set criteria for persons performing a remediation of problematic drywall or affected building materials. DOH advises the public to hire Florida licensed contractor(s) to perform the remediation. For example: use a licensed electrician to replace corroded electrical systems, or use an AC contractor to replace or repair an air conditioner, or use a drywall contractor to install drywall, or a licensed general contractor to oversee the demolition and coordination of subcontractors.

Is there a known treatment to deal with suspect drywall emissions?Ozone Generators That Are Sold as Air Cleaners“.Do the corrosive gasses absorb and re-emit from other surfaces or materials?

DOH is not currently aware of any proven and effective treatment method other than removal and replacement of the suspected or known source material. Claims of treatment involving ozone, coatings, and air cleaners should be scrutinized for evidence of proven effectiveness. DOH recommends against the use of ozone generators in occupied spaces, since ozone is a highly reactive and irritating molecule and is considered hazardous to people and pets. See US Environmental Protection Agency report ”

At this time, we do not believe that this is the case. The suspect gas emissions are likely to react quickly upon contact with susceptible surfaces and materials. Re-emission seems unlikely to occur.