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Early Findings Inconclusive on Chinese Drywall Hazards
Releasing its initial findings on Oct. 29, a multi-agency government task force was unable to establish a conclusive link between Chinese-made drywall and adverse health symptoms in home owners or corrosive effects on components of their homes.
Although preliminary results showed that the Chinese drywall contained elemental sulfur as well as higher concentrations of strontium than non-Chinese drywall, neither chemical was present in sufficient levels to pose a radiological health risk.
“We did not find levels of chemicals that suggested an imminent health hazard,” said David Krause, state toxicologist for the Florida Department of Health. He said the levels were consistent with the reported symptoms of eye irritation, however.
Multiple Agencies, Tactics
Agencies participating in the study include the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), along with a number of state health departments.
The groups have been working together since early spring to investigate and analyze how Chinese-made drywall entered the U.S., where it was used, what chemicals are in it and how it may be affecting human health and electrical and fire safety components in homes.
A Web site, www.drywallresponse.gov, has been established to share agency findings and address consumer concerns about defective drywall.
Scott Wolfson of the CPSC said that more than $3.5 million has been spent on the issue over the past five months, and that the study is the largest investigation in CPSC history. “All resources are being brought to bear at this point,” he said.
Formaldehyde Discovered
More than 1,200 air samples were collected and analyzed from 10 homes in Florida and Louisiana in order to help develop a federal and state indoor air testing protocol, according to Jim Woolford of the EPA. The tests found detectable concentrations of two irritant compounds — acetaldehyde and formaldehyde. The compounds were found in homes built using Chinese drywall as well as those with non-Chinese drywall, however.
“Formaldehyde concentrations of this level are not unusual for new homes,” Woolford said. The levels were also higher in homes in which the air conditioners had not been in use for some time.
Elevated levels of formaldehyde were also discovered in FEMA trailers provided to Hurricane Katrina victims, who were immediately relocated because the presence of the chemical should have been dissipated under normal living conditions. The test case homes, however, were tightly constructed and unoccupied. New boards commonly emit non-toxic levels of the chemical, he said.
Border Patrol
Lori Saltzman of the CPSC said the agency is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to stop drywall imports from China.
“We are working with port authorities to make sure Chinese drywall doesn’t come into the U.S.,” she said. “Additionally, notices have been sent to warehouses where the drywall is being stored letting them know of the investigation.”
No Chinese drywall has been imported into the U.S. this year, she added.
Saltzman said that CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum traveled last week to meet with the Chinese vice minister and stress concern over the issue.
“They talked about the need for drywall manufacturers to take a fair and just response to the issue,” she said. They did not, however, secure a promise from the Chinese to be held accountable for the damage caused by drywall that is found to be harmful.
Home Owners Still on Hold
Home owners hoping the government will fund remediation of their homes will have to continue to wait, according to Warren Friedman of HUD.
“We are still evaluating the problem right now, and that is a precursor to developing remediation strategies,” he said. The agency wants to make sure the direct source of the problem is identified first, and it hopes to implement more efficient, less-costly methods of remediation than complete to-the-studs renovations that can cost thousands of dollars.
Friedman recommended that home owners who have vacated their homes due to suspected Chinese drywall contamination and are in financial distress should contact their lenders to work out a loan mitigation plan. They can also use HUD’s foreclosure avoidance program, Making Home Affordable.
Congressional and White House officials have been asked to consider legislation and other means to help families affected by the issue.
The CPSC has conducted more than 800 direct telephone interviews with affected home owners, and received nearly 1,900 reports from concerned consumers in 30 states. Consumers who suspect their homes contain defective drywall are urged to contact the CPSC at 800-638-2772.
A statement issued by the participating agencies recommends the following steps to improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to substances that may cause health concerns:
- Open windows to let in fresh air
- Lower inside home temperatures as much as possible
- Run air conditioners and dehumidifiers
- Do not smoke indoors
Further Results Expected
Data from a 50-home air sampling study is still being evaluated, with results expected in November. The methodology was adjusted to reflect learning outcomes from the initial 10-home study. A preliminary engineering analysis of potential electrical and fire safety issues related to corrosion is also expected at that time.
For more information, NAHB members can go to www.nahb.org/chinesedrywall; or e-mail David Jaffe, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8317.
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