Major indoor air study shows “strong association” between Chinese drywall and corrosion December 22, 2009
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a press release indicating that based on a major study of over 50 homes, indoor air sampling tests pointed to a “strong association” between homes with Chinese drywall, hydrogen sulfide, and metal corrosion.
What this development means is that discussion and analysis aimed at promoting protocol procedures and remediation methods can be taken to the next level. According to the November CPSC press release, the Interagency Drywall Task Force will assess differing methods of fixing and/or preventing problem drywall from causing such effects. It should be noted that in addition to remediation efforts, inquiries into possible federal funding also are relevant in that homeowners often are placed in financial hardships upon discovering Chinese drywall (i.e., rental costs, remediation costs, and/or paying a 2nd mortgage in some cases).
Hydrogen sulfide has been cited as the primary element causing copper and silver sulfide corrosion. Additionally, formaldehyde and “other air contaminants” contributed to the finding of corrosion and drywall nexus. From this point forward, the CPSC is determined to locate and identify all homes that are showing corrosion and health effects. The CPSC is in the process of opening lines of communications with all U.S. governors to promote awareness. Also of concern is that all problem homes are reported, as it is not efficient for reports to surface slowly. Rather, the agency would prefer to hear from homeowners as soon as they become aware of the presence of Chinese drywall. On a positive note, the Interagency Task Force believes that no new Chinese drywall was imported during the year of 2009.
Posted Under: CPSC Updates Tags: corrosion, cpsc, hydrogen sulfide, Interagency Task Force
Reader Comments
There is a “strong association” for sure! Not only with copper but also with chrome and silver. I have thrown out a lot before I knew what was going on in my home. Now I will save damaged belongings just to prove what the CPSC can’t seem to be able to prove for some reason. I really don’t get it. It is so obvious it seems like the CPSC is covering up or playing politics – why? Why are builders’ insurance companies allowed to disallow claims? Why are homeowners’ insurance companies allowed to deny any responsibility? Why do we have to file a lawsuit? What is the possibility that there will be long term health effects? We know the short term effects well enough.How about saving on health care costs by riipping out this drywall and fixing our houses? Since moving into this house 3 years ago I have been doctoring more than in my entire previous 68 years. The list is too long to enumerate here. Quality of life ( as well as possessions )has been damaged. No remediation in sight…..Disgraceful. There is some funny business going on. I hope someone out there will expose this.