Officials believe that since 2001, drywall imported from China has contained high levels of sulfur that could be leaking into homes and other buildings. The problem first surfaced in Florida, where residents of new homes complained of unusual, persistent odors and corroded air conditioning coils.
Residents in homes with imported Chinese drywall have complained of damage to their homes and health problems as a result of the drywall’s high levels of sulfur. Photo By BoneDaddy.P7/Courtesy Flickr
The problem is widespread. The drywall can be found in every state in single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes and commercial buildings that have been built or remodeled since 2001. It’s even possible that the drywall was used in reconstructing New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
The sulfur, which officials believe comes from the gypsum used to the make the Chinese drywall, corrodes electrical wiring in the walls. Because of this, may residents have noticed their air conditioning coils corroding and failing. People living in houses made with the Chinese drywall have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nosebleeds and headaches—or worse.
If you’re looking for a safer, greener alternative to drywall, consider Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, structural insulated panels or insulating concrete forms.
by Robyn Griggs Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
Natural Home magazine is a Premier Partner of SustainLane. It is the premier resource for sustainable home design and materials, earth-friendly décor and natural living.
Cynthia D. says:
The defective Chinese drywall debacle has been making news for months now, with homeowners plagued by sulfur fumes that smell like “rotten eggs” and cause air conditioning coils to corrode. Residents complain of sinus and respiratory ailments, eye and skin irritation, persistent runny or bloody noses, headaches, and asthma. Some situations were so severe that residents had to vacate their homes. In some cases, victims have been harassed by builders into signing unfair, one-side remediation agreements. The issues surrounding defective Chinese drywall are confusing and worrisome. Here is a good blog that has been providing emerging and valuable information on the problems: www.chinese-drywall-answers.com
Cynthia D. says:
Chinese drywall manufacturer, Knauf, has agreed to accept “service of lawsuits” for one month, an unprecedented move that eliminates many of the obstacles claimants have been facing, and a huge breakthrough for plaintiffs who have suffered the unpleasant and potentially harmful odors and fumes and metal corrosion associated with defective Chinese drywall. Claimants with KPT drywall need to file on to the suit no later than December 2, 2009, with the suit filed by December 9, 2009. Homes must be inspected before the December deadline so that claimants can submit proof that their house was built with Knauf Drywall. This is a good place to get information on filing a suit: http://www.yourlawyer.com/articles/read/17221 and includes a toll-free number for claimants looking to join the lawsuit. Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., is alleged to be a subsidiary of the German-based Knauf Gips KG and is one of several Chinese companies accused of manufacturing and importing defective drywall from China into the U.S.