CPSC Ties Chinese Drywall to Health Problems

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has advised people living in homes built with Chinese-made drywall to "spend as much time outdoors in fresh air as possible."

CPSC issued their warning after getting 2,091 reports from residents in 32 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico complaining about the negative effects of contaminated Chinese drywall used in their homes.

Consumers complained of health issues including rotten-egg smells; irritated eyes, skin and respiratory systems; asthma attacks; and headaches. In addition, many consumers complained of copper pipe and wiring in their homes corroding and turning black.

A CPSC report released on Monday linked the Chinese drywall to higher-than-normal levels of hydrogen sulfide gas present in the homes. In its report, CPCS noted that "hydrogen sulfide gas is the essential component that causes copper and silver sulfide corrosion found in the complaint homes."

"In ways still to be determined, hydrogen sulfide gas is being created in homes built with Chinese drywall," states the CPSC report.

One of the most commonly used materials in building, drywall is also known as wallboard; gypsum board; and by the brand name, Sheetrock.

Most of the homes reported to CPSC were built during 2006 to 2007, when an unprecedented increase in new construction occurred in part due to the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005.

To provide consumers with more information and advice about the Chinese Drywall problem, the CPSC, CDC, EPA and HUD have created a Drywall Information Center web site.

Also See: And the Drywall Came Tumbling Down