CPSC Report Shows Strong Correlation Between Chinese Drywall and Metal Corrosion
Investigators for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission confirmed what 2,100 homeowners who filed
complaints in 32 states already knew—the imported drywall used in the construction of their homes
was related to the metal corrosion and rotten egg like sulfur smell plaguing new homes. The study, released November
23, 2009, found higher levels of sulfide gas in “complaint
” homes than non–complaint
homes built in the same time and area as the complaint homes.
While the cause of corrosion has been identified, investigators have avoided making any connection between the emissions from Chinese drywall and negative health effects. Of the complaint homes that reported elevated hydrogen sulfide and formaldehyde levels, all were below known irritant levels. Further studies are needed to see how the toxic emissions from Chinese drywall could contribute to the reported health problems.
The 51 Home Drywall Study
This most recent report contains air quality results from fifty–one homes—forty–one complaint homes (having consumer incident reports on file) and ten without complaints or reports to act as controls. The study found that complaint homes:
- Showed significantly higher rates of corrosion on copper and silver metal test strips
- Showed statistically greater wire corrosion
- Showed high levels of corrosion on fire safety components (ex: natural gas supply lines and air conditioner heat exchange coils) but not enough to suggest potential failure
Further Studies on Chinese Drywall Required
Officials cautioned that not all Chinese drywall is necessarily problematic
and that homes with American–made drywall also are being studied. “Not all drywall is
alike,
” said Jack McCarthy, president of Environmental Health & Engineering Inc., the firm
hired by the government to perform the air quality tests. “It depends on what it’s made
of, not necessarily the country where it came from.
”
Further studies are needed before the CPSC would consider a recall, ban, or other action. If you are concerned that your home might have toxic Chinese drywall, please see our Defective Chinese Drywall Home Checklist.