During the most recent construction boom in Florida (2002-2007) a shortage of domestic drywall forced many builders to purchase drywall (a/k/a sheetrock, gypsum board or wallboard) product that was manufactured in China. In addition to the housing boom, Florida also encountered several named storms that resulted in increased demand for drywall to repair damages sustained by flooding and other storm related events. This “Chinese Drywall” was installed in new construction projects across the country, however the highest concentration of this product appears to have landed in Florida. It has been estimated that at least 36,000 homes in the State of Florida have this problem, and on a daily basis it appears that additional residences and some office buildings containing this product are being identified.
The Florida Department of Health (“DOH”) learned about problems potentially caused by Chinese drywall in late 2008 and commissioned a study to investigate this concern. The DOH received complaints that drywall was emitting a sulfur-like smell (i.e. rotten eggs) and corroding copper wiring, causing electrical appliances to fail. Additionally, homeowners complained about respiratory problems, headaches, nose bleeds and other conditions which they believe are caused by Chinese drywall.
The DOH’s study concluded that, when heated, samples of the product emitted a sulfurous odor and that sulfide gases corroded copper coils in an air conditioner of at least one Florida home that contained Chinese drywall. Although the DOH report also confirmed that the drywall contained trace levels of strontium sulfide, a material that can emit corrosive gases in humid air, several questions remain. Namely, does Chinese Drywall pose a direct health risk?
If you would like to receive Fowler White’s extensive four page technical bulletin that provides a point counter-point discussion of the potential link between Chinese Drywall and a Human Health Risk, please click here.
