Toxic drywall air sampling is an inspection mainstay September 17, 2009
Air sampling has been a primary method of inspection utilized by federal agencies, which are currently testing homes for toxic compounds related to imported Chinese drywall. The suspected compound related to the alleged health symptoms and corrosion claims are thought to be connected to iron disulfide Hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon disulfide.
Despite the endorsement of federal agencies, there are skeptics who believe air sampling should not be considered effective as a method for determining whether a home contains toxic drywall. Those critics point to currently developing methods which suggest the conclusiveness is not 100%. For example, Spiderman Mulholland, a leading forensic expert, recently noted that his research has identified 11 sulfur compounds that have potential to show up in air sample tests, but that current air sampling methods are inadequate as a whole.
On the other side of the coin, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) seemingly relies heavily on the method, and posted a press release regarding the inter-governmental efforts to test the air in 50 homes in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia. Upon completion of the testing, federal and state authorities will analyze results in connection with possible health and safety risks.
Air sampling, in general, is costly and requires the services of a certified specialist to perform laboratory analysis. Do-it-yourself kits have sprung on the market in recent months, which allow homeowners to purchase kits online. The multi-district litigation occurring presently under the oversight of The Honorable Judge Fallon has resulted in court appointed inspections of various homes. Regardless of the conclusivity with regard to the meticulousness of the method of air sampling, the technique appears to be a mainstay with regard to being, at the very least, a component of inspection protocol in both the private and governmental sectors.
Homeowners who believe they may have defective drywall in their homes should consult an experienced attorney for the best course of action.
Posted Under: Drywall in the News Tags: air sample, cpsc, EPA
Reader Comments
There is actually no contradiction here. Air sampling is required to understand indoor gas levels. Gases emitted by Chinese drywall are what occupants breathe and what they breathe is what impacts health. Since FLA Dept of “Health” is spear heading these investigations they are naturally targeting health issues, hence the emphasis on air sampling.
Spiderman is correct in that air sampling is complex and correct that air sampling is not suitable for routine investigation to determine if the drywall is problem Chinese drywall.
Nevertheless if there is no measurable off gassing inside the home then there is no toxic drywall. Toxic drywall is toxic because it off gases toxic gases inside a home environment and not just in a lab environment.
It is NOT toxic if it does not off gas toxic gases but only has toxic contaminants in it because it is not eaten.
It is NOT toxic because it has a label on it that says Chinese drywall unless it off gases toxic gases — because not all Chinese drywall off gases toxic (corrosive) gases.
Gary Rosen, Ph.D.