Toxic Drywall

Monday, Apr. 06 2009  |  Posted by: Steve Stockwood  |  0 comments

Chinese-produced drywall is causing some alarming health and home-related issues.  It appears that this drywall is emitting toxic hydrogen sulphide gas and other sulphide gases into homes causing homeowners to suffer from shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, eye irritation and respiratory difficulties.

The drywall in question was imported from China from 2001 – 2007 with at least 929,000 square metres being imported into Canada.  Research has traced some of these imports to the Prairies and Toronto and recent reports indicate Lower Mainland residents may also be affected - but anyone who installed drywall during that time should be aware of the potential danger.  
In addition to health concerns, this toxic drywall is also found to cause air conditioner coils, stove top oven elements and refrigerators to fail and silver jewelry, flat ware, etc., to tarnish rapidly (within months or even weeks).  

The houses that have been found to be affected all have a common symptom – blackened, scorched wiring behind switch plates and wall plugs.  If you are concerned that your home may have toxic drywall installed and want to make sure your home is safe, it is recommended that you pull off five or six electrical face plates and examine (without touching!) the copper ground wire.  If this wire appears charred or has turned black, you should contact the Homeowners Consumer Centre immediately at 866-714-6466 or http://homeownersconsumercenter.com.  

If your home was built or remodeled between 2001 and 2008, has a slight or strong sulphur, rotten egg or acid-type smell, you or your family are experiencing any of the listed health concerns, you are experiencing repeated air conditioning coil issues/corrosion, and/or your copper ground wires appear charred when inspected – it is important that you take action.  Though located in the US, the Homeowners Consumer Centre is a national consumer advocacy group focused on consumer protection and corporate fair play that Canadian’s affected by this toxic drywall are turning to for assistance.  As the danger associated with this drywall is high and a relatively small amount can potentially contaminate an entire home, it is important for homeowners to take action to protect themselves.

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Certification for Home Inspectors

Monday, Apr. 06 2009  |  Posted by: Steve Stockwood  |  0 comments

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