Chinese Drywall Causing Damage in Homes Across America
A local worker making drywall in Huzhu County of Qunghai Province, China.
Consumers in 24 states have filed a total of 1,174 Chinese drywall complaints with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Hundreds of homeowners have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers, distributors, builders and others in the Chinese drywall supply chain. Gases emitted from the drywall are being blamed for significant property damage, including damage to HVAC systems, smoke detectors, electrical wiring, metal plumbing components, and other household appliances. These gases also produce a sulfurous odor that permeates homes, and cause metals, including air conditioning coils and even jewelry, to corrode.
Example of sample jar test (middle), showing black copper corrosion. Sample results may be qualitatively compared to a negative control (unaffected domestic drywall-on left) and a positive control (known affected Chinese drywall in the middle and on the right).