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Tests found that Chinese drywall imported during the peak years of the building boom emits sulfide gases. The gases corrode copper coils in air conditioning systems and wiring in appliances and electrical outlets. Those are the known effects.
Why is Chinese drywall so bad?
The contaminated drywall has high levels of sulfur, which may be responsible for a rotten egg smell in affected homes, blackened or corroded pipes, failure of air conditioners and other household appliances, and health problems such as asthma, coughing, headaches, sore throats, and irritated eyes.
Did China give us radioactive drywall?
Time magazine reports that more than 550 million pounds (250,000 t) of drywall has been imported from China since 2006, including much from the known principal manufacturer of the contaminated drywall, Knauf.
Does Chinese drywall cause mold?
Homeowners affected by the Chinese drywall have reported several different symptoms, including headaches, asthma attacks, nose bleeds and respiratory problems. Toxic mold claims have been reported, but the precise cause of the symptoms is still unknown.
When was Chinese drywall banned?
“It also ensures that none of the Chinese drywall that came in in 2006 and 2007 will be recycled and reused in any other homes.” Consumer advocates estimate that 100,000 homes were built with the high-sulfur drywall.
Can Chinese drywall be fixed?
Repairing Chinese Drywall The only way to get rid of the problem is to completely replace the Chinese drywall with new drywall. Replacing drywall is possible to do yourself, but replacing most of the other components should be done by a professional.
Is Chinese drywall dangerous?
Toxic Chinese Drywall Creates A Housing Disaster Between 2004 and 2007, an estimated 100,000 homes in more than 20 states were built with toxic drywall imported from China. It’s being called a “silent hurricane” because emissions from the drywall destroy plumbing and electrical systems.
Do you have to disclose Chinese drywall?
Even if the home is sold “as is,” a seller by law has obligation to disclose anything that affects value of the property. There is no law a seller has to do an inspection. The average cost of fixing a home with drywall is about $100,000. Homes basically have to be taken down to the studs and rebuilt.
Do Home Inspectors check for Chinese drywall?
HomeTeam Inspection Service offers Chinese drywall inspections to detect if your home has these materials. Some of the problems associated with Chinese drywall include: Exposed electrical wiring and copper water-supply lines can turn black and deteriorate. Electrical connections in some appliances can deteriorate.
Are Chinese drywall settlements taxable?
Generally, if the corrosive drywall was in your main home, you can exclude from income up to $250,000 of the gain from the settlement payment if the following is true: You owned the home and used it as your main home during at least 2 of the last 5 years before destruction of the home due to the corrosive drywall.
Does homeowners insurance cover Chinese drywall?
Chinese drywall caused damage that was barred from coverage under a homeowners insurance policy because of several exclusions for (1) faulty, inadequate, or defective materials; (2) latent defects; (3) rust or corrosion; and (4) pollution.
Can you test for Chinese drywall?
Pull back your refrigerator and check the copper on the back side. It is also a good idea to check underneath your counter space and look at the copper tubing from your sinks. Any corrosion or soot on these copper tubes is a sign that you may have Chinese Drywall installed in your home.
Does drywall contain formaldehyde?
Drywall joint compound can contain harmful ingredients, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, both known carcinogens, and crystalline silica, which is a carcinogen when inhaled.
How much does Chinese drywall replacement cost?
Many homeowners have played $30,000 to $40,000 or more to have all of the drywall replaced, as well as the wiring, A/C, and other damaged hardware in their home. Pricing can depend on the area you live in, the square footage of the home, and whether or not you need a permit to do the work.
Where is most drywall manufactured?
As a result, drywall is popular in homes across the U.S.: According to the Gypsum Association, more than 20 billion square feet of drywall is manufactured each year in North America. It’s the staple of a billion-dollar construction industry that depends on quick demolition and building.
What states used Chinese drywall?
The Florida Department of Health has just posted a new update and Chinese Drywall is now in 38 states. Texas and California are moving up in the number of reports. The most reports are still coming in from Florida and Lousiana with other Southeastern states following behind.
What is Chinese drywall made out of?
Drywall is made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper, and is used to make interior walls and ceilings. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sent staff to China, where they obtained samples of wallboard manufactured there in 2005, 2006 and 2009.
Did Home Depot sell Chinese drywall?
Q: Did Home Depot or Lowe’s retail stores sell any of the Chinese drywall now causing health, corrosion and insurance concerns? A: Both home improvement stores have said their companies did not buy or sell drywall manufactured in China.
Can Chinese drywall cause cancer?
There isn’t enough evidence to determine whether exposure to sulfur compounds causes cancer, Kapil said, and there are no reports of cancer occurring in animals exposed to hydrogen sulfide during long-term studies.
Can drywall make you sick?
Over time, breathing the dust from drywall joint compounds may cause persistent throat and airway irritation, coughing, phlegm production, and breathing difficulties similar to asthma. Smokers or workers with sinus or respiratory conditions may risk even worse health problems.
What are signs of Chinese drywall?
What are the health symptoms and risks of Chinese drywall? The most frequently reported symptoms are irritated and itchy eyes and skin, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, bloody noses, runny noses, recurrent headaches, sinus infection, and asthma attacks.
