Toxic Drywall from China

[Chris Morrell]

Use this thread to discuss the entry Toxic Drywall from China at the InterNACHI Blog

[Michael Larson]

The use of the term "Toxic" is little more than scaremongering IMO.

Even the Lawyers involved in this action do not use the word in their possible health effects section and use much less provocative terms..

Health officials are still trying to determine what health problems these fumes might cause. A toxicologist for the state of Florida recently told one newspaper that the odor causes people to experience mild and moderate respiratory irritation that clears up when they leave the homes. Other residents have reported that they are experiencing headaches that also go away when they leave their houses. Other symptoms being reported included irritated eyes, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and symptoms similar to bronchitis and asthma.

Especially worrisome is the possibility that the Chinese drywall is emitting hydrogen sulfide fumes. Exposure to 50 parts per million of hydrogen sulfide for more than ten minutes can cause extreme irritation. Inhalation of 500 to 1,000 parts per million can cause unconsciousness and death through respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation, according to environmental experts.

Health officials are most concerned that the Chinese drywall fumes could be especially dangerous for sensitive populations. These include the very young and the elderly. People with asthma and chemical sensitivities would be at greatest risk. These worries have caused many people to flee their homes in an effort to preserve their health

[Wayne B. Wilson]

So as i asked before if we find this stuff how should it be reported, Any idea's i have been asked already. i pointed him to above web site

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by wwilson3

So as i asked before if we find this stuff how should it be reported, Any idea's i have been asked already. i pointed him to above web site

You could also point them to this Wall Street Journal Article

This story is not very far along but that doesn't stop the enterprising lawyers from starting a class action lawsuit.

BTW, I could not find any CSPC action on this issue. Anyone else?

[Michael R. Boyett]

See the Press Release at: http://homeownersconsumercenter.com/ . Looks like a lot of folks are jumping on this bandwagon.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

This is going to be a big one i believe

[jhenderson1]

Gotta love some of the newspaper articles and the level of misinformation. As a geologist and professional with 27 years experience in air quality; maybe I can add a bit of facts. Drywall manufactured from gypsum is not a problem. Yes, gypsum is chemical formula CaSO4*2H2O (calcium and sulfur are primary ingredients. Nevertheless, the gypsum will not release the sulfur molecule with the simple application of moisture. Therefore, the problem with the Chinese drywall is not because of the gypsum mine, it is because the Chinese drywall also contains fly ash from steel mills. Steel mill Fly ash has a high content of sulfur (iron and other compounds) and will release the sulfur to bind with other molecules producing "toxic" odors and corrosive compounds.

Some problems with the previous studies is the application of OSHA workplace standards to the home environment. OSHA workplace standards (permissible exposure limits, 8 hr TWA, etc) are based on a normal 8 hr work day and a 40 hr work week. People live in their homes; some spend nearly 20 plus hrs a day in the home. Comparing OSHA workplace standards to test results is not correct.

Notwithstanding the health effects, the sulfur compounds released are causing damage to HVAC coils and other metal items in homes.

If encountered during a HI, recommend expert assistance of a qualified professional.

I am not in favor of blowing this out of portion, but for a few homeowners, this is a real problem and needs to be addressed.

[iniquette]

Originally Posted by mlarson

The use of the term "Toxic" is little more than scaremongering IMO.

Even the Lawyers involved in this action do not use the word in their possible health effects section and use much less provocative terms..

Health officials are still trying to determine what health problems these fumes might cause. A toxicologist for the state of Florida recently told one newspaper that the odor causes people to experience mild and moderate respiratory irritation that clears up when they leave the homes. Other residents have reported that they are experiencing headaches that also go away when they leave their houses. Other symptoms being reported included irritated eyes, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and symptoms similar to bronchitis and asthma.

Especially worrisome is the possibility that the Chinese drywall is emitting hydrogen sulfide fumes. Exposure to 50 parts per million of hydrogen sulfide for more than ten minutes can cause extreme irritation. Inhalation of 500 to 1,000 parts per million can cause unconsciousness and death through respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation, according to environmental experts.

Health officials are most concerned that the Chinese drywall fumes could be especially dangerous for sensitive populations. These include the very young and the elderly. People with asthma and chemical sensitivities would be at greatest risk. These worries have caused many people to flee their homes in an effort to preserve their health

Toxic may not be the best term, but this is definitely a problem, do you not agree Michael? What if this were your home, or your mothers or sisters? I'm not judging here, just appeared that you see it as a ruse or scam. Or did I just take your quote wrong? Maybe I did.

Some of the articles I have read though are blaming the installers of this stuff. Now how can they be responsible for the manufacturing process? That's like blaming your pharmacist for a recall on the laxitive you bought last week, don't you think?

It will be interesting to see what happens with this. Stay tuned folks.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by iniquette

Toxic may not be the best term, but this is definitely a problem, do you not agree Michael? What if this were your home, or your mothers or sisters? I'm not judging here, just appeared that you see it as a ruse or scam. Or did I just take your quote wrong? Maybe I did.

Some of the articles I have read though are blaming the installers of this stuff. Now how can they be responsible for the manufacturing process? That's like blaming your pharmacist for a recall on the laxitive you bought last week, don't you think?

It will be interesting to see what happens with this. Stay tuned folks.

I don't know if it's a scam but when the info you can find is being promoted by lawyers, what's your take on it?

If it were my home I would want real answers with evidence not just scary stories and news of the latest potential class action suits.

There MAY be a problem but it seems that the evidence is still not beyond the anecdotal story stage with scary headlines declaring it a dangerous problem.

To declare it "toxic" without evidence is just wrong.

[iniquette]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I don't know if it's a scam but when the info you can find is being promoted by lawyers, what's your take on it?

If it were my home I would want real answers with evidence not just scary stories and news of the latest potential class action suits.

There MAY be a problem but it seems that the evidence is still not beyond the anecdotal story stage with scary headlines declaring it a dangerous problem.

To declare it "toxic" without evidence is just wrong.

I agree Michael, it shouldn't be declared toxic, until proven toxic. I was just reading your post and got the impression that you thought the WHOLE thing was a scam. After your reply, I see that you do not, just don't like all the lawyers leadiing the way. Yes, it is being spearheaded by lawyers, but this is going to get really ugly before it's all over. Hopefully the homeowners will find some recourse, but at what price? We will find out I guess.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by iniquette

..................... but this is going to get really ugly before it's all over. ............

It may be a very limited issue(So. FL). Way to early to tell but that never stops the ambulance chasers form entering the litigation lottery.

Thursday, February 19, 2009
Senator calls for drywall investigation

Study: Tainted drywall not a health risk: Lennar Corp.'s consultant concludes sulfur gas emissions can affect copper tubing

[iniquette]

Originally Posted by mlarson

It may be a very limited issue(So. FL). Way to early to tell but that never stops the ambulance chasers form entering the litigation lottery.

Thursday, February 19, 2009
Senator calls for drywall investigation

Study: Tainted drywall not a health risk: Lennar Corp.'s consultant concludes sulfur gas emissions can affect copper tubing

Ambulance chasers gotta eat to Mike

I read both of those articles. I think the worse part is not the POSSIBLE negative health effects, but what this stuff may be doing to individual components inside the homes.

[Scott Keiper]

Is anyone putting any kind of statement in their report reguarding the chinese sheetrock?

[David A. Andersen]

Another disclaimer for an "unknown fact"?