When the issue of Chinese drywall first became a concern, it was believed to be a regional issue and located primarily in South Florida. Since that time, investigations by independent organizations suspect this issue is in as many as thirteen (13) states and likely more (Herald Tribune.com February 18, 2009). It is suspected as far west as Nevada, Colorado and Arizona, throughout the southeastern states and north along the eastern seaboard as far as New Jersey. The Gypsum Association has reported 300 million square feet of drywall was imported from China and the Census Bureau has reported it as 479 million pounds.

As this issue continues to get bigger, more information is being discovered and released. One example is that at least three (3) manufacturers are suspect; although so far only one has been repeatedly identified and has had to take on the brunt of complaints

Additional information being released is in connection with ways to identify suspect "Chinese drywall". We already knew of odors and some resident's complaints of health effects (not confirmed at this time) but one of the newer markers appears to be the color of the boards themselves. A general consensus is growing that the imported drywall appears gray in color, especially when visibly compared side by side with U.S. manufactured gypsum board.

It has been reported and observed by BEC that the chemical off-gased affects air conditioning coils after just short term exposure; possibly due to the contaminated air moving across the coil and the gaseous compounds combining with the coil moisture to create an aggressive corrosive compound. At this time nothing is conclusive, however in our investigations and observations corrosion is affecting many other components within the home. Appliances and household electronics (i.e. computers, TV's stereo equipment and game consoles) have been reported as failing. In addition, we have observed exposed electrical wiring at the breaker panels and copper in outlet boxes with the black corrosion, copper water lines and metal plumbing fixtures are pitting and discoloring and it is reasonable to presume that lighting fixtures and metal decor will soon follow. Sterling silver picture frames, sterling silverware and sterling serving dishes also turn black in short periods of time.

This is an on-going issue that we feel will continue to grow as the breadth of the amount of the drywall installed in buildings is discovered. There are no stated health risks by any cognizant health authority at this time however there are antidotal stories of eye and respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties. Because neither short term nor long term health effects have been identified at this point, individuals having difficulty living in these environments should contact their doctor for medical advice.

Unfortunately health risks with these environments may not be known for some time. Even without a direct health risk, the corrosion the drywall is causing could lead to additional issues that may pose a risk. Refrigerant gas leaking into the home, pinhole leaks in water lines going undetected could promote mold growth within the wall cavities and if the corrosion continues on the electrical wiring, there could be risk of shock or fire from corroded electrical wiring. At this time the only proven solution is source removal, which is inconvenient and expensive to all parties.

BEC will continue to be diligent in our research and will update this site with current and accurate information as it is made public and confirmed by our staff and accredited labs.

For more information, please contact:

Loren Brown, Services Coordinator
Bailey Engineering Corporation
Loren@baileyeng.com
www.baileyeng.com
Phone: (561) 744-1410