In Future Environment Design's May Safety Suzy newsletter we sent out links to new documents produced by
the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) regarding
Chinese-manufactured drywall. One
document was the 39 page "Health
Consultation - Possible Health Implications From Exposure To Sulfur Gases
Emitted From Chinese-Manufactured Drywall." The second document was a 3 page fact sheet
"Public
Health Implications of Chinese-manufactured Drywall," which is a
summation of the Health Consultation document.
The health consultation was established to estimate the exposures to
sulfur compounds emitted from Chinese-manufactured drywall and the health risks
associated with that exposure.
Chinese-manufactured
drywall was imported into the United States (US) from 2006 to 2008, because of
the increase demand caused by hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, and the
already high national demand for new home construction. In 2008, people living in homes built between
2001 and 2008 began reporting health issues. In addition, people reported the
corrosion of certain metal components in their homes. This became known as problem drywall, this
issue wasn't only reported with Chinese-manufactured drywall or just in the
south (see the map below for other areas with problem drywall). The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)defines problem drywall as:
- Visual inspection observes blackening of copper electrical wiring and/or air conditioning evaporator coils and
- Drywall installed between 2001 and 2009
If
both of the above are present look for corroborating evidence which may require
outside lab testing.
Findings
from the Health Consultation found that the drywall samples they tested emitted
several sulfur compounds, including hydrogen sulfide, methy and ethyl
mercaptans, carbonyl sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, and sulfur dioxide. The levels found were a public health concern
in 2009 when the testing was done.
Emission rates of these compounds increased with both temperature &
humidity.
Exposures
to sulfur compounds at the levels estimated from problem drywall in 2005 and
2006 may be associated with such effects as:
- Headaches
- Irritation of eyes, nose, & throat
- Feeling tired
- Problems controlling respiratory conditions (like asthma)
The
odors associated with sulfur compounds could disrupt daily activities and cause
stress.
If
you have problem drywall the CPSC recommends remediation that would include the
replacement of all:
- Possible problem drywall;
- Fire safety alarm devices (including smoke & carbon monoxide alarms);
- Electrical distribution components (including receptacles, switches, and circuit breakers, but not necessarily wiring); and
- Gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems.
All
testing and remediation work should be conducted in compliance with applicable
building codes, occupational safety and health standards, and environmental
regulations.
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