Drywall - Made in China??? Caveat emptor

Caveat Emptor - Let the Buyer Beware!

Some new (at least new to me) information has caused me to change my thinking on the "Chinese Drywall" topic.  Let me share -

Let me start with the idea that "Chinese Drywall" is a misnomer - there are some labs reporting that some problem drywall may be labelled "Made in China", but some have been labelled as manufactured by an American company, and yet others may have no label at all!  I prefer to simply call it "Contaminated Drywall".

What makes Contaminated Drywall harmful?  Well, we're not sure, but the leading theory is that organic materials are nixed in with the gypsum in manufacturing, and these contain sulfates - strontium sulfate, calcium sulfate, iron disulfide, etc.  An MIT professor has theorized that the combination of cellulose (paper), moisture, and the sulfates combine to make sulfurous acid. 

Considering that Florida had a large need for drywall in 2004-2005 (Thank you Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) and that moisture appears to figure in the chemical makeup (higher rainfall and humidity), it's no wonder that Floridians are worried about the possibility of contaminated drywall in their homes.

How do we look for Contaminated Drywall?  Look for that sulfur smell in the house - the smell of rotten eggs.  All through the house, not just near water fixtures.  At least here in Central Florida, sulphur can be strong in the water, especially in the private, non-treated well water in many homes.  But in contaminated drywall, this smell will be all through the home, not just when running water. 

The metal, especially copper in the home will be black, corroded, and even pitted where it is exposed.  Two telltale spots are in the main electrical panel and the HVAC Air handler.  If these copper parts are black and corroded, it's a very good bet there is contaminated drywall in the home.  If this is coupled with the sulphur smell, even worse...

Can we just pull out the contaminated drywall? Welllllllll - yes and no.

We already know the sulphur and other chemicals leach out of the drywall, and latest testing shows that these chemicals also migrate into the wood, flooring, counters and cabinets - even the concrete blocks - in the house.  Once the bad drywall has been removed and replaced with "good" drywall, these chemicals may leach back out and back into the new drywall!  In 4 or 5 years, you may be facing contaminated drywall AGAIN!

Also, we're not sure of the effects on all that metal - especially the copper wiring and plumbing.  We're not sure if there is an increased chance of electrical problems or leaks from copper tubing.  Maybe those items need to be replaced, rather than just cleaned.

To sum it up - contaminated drywall can be a major issure in a home, and not a quick fix.  If you suspect it in your potential new home, my advice is to pass on the house.  Unless you are ready to take on a LOT of headaches...