The Cause of the Chinese Drywall Problem

More Chinese Drywall Information

Perhaps you have heard on the news about the Chinese drywall problems.

Especially in Florida, but also elsewhere in the United States and Vancouver since 2002, new home builders and remodeling contractors purchased what turned out to be substandard quality sheets of drywall plasterboard imported from China. Recently, it has been discovered that these sheets contained toxins that are hazardous to humans and pets as well as the environment.

This was discovered through two types of occurrences. Homeowners noted a foul smell like rotten eggs in their homes not matter how hard they cleaned. Also, the pipes and wires inside the walls began to corrode. That set off alarms in the heads of inspectors. Something was definitely not right.

A shortage of drywall in the United States between 2004 and 2006 caused suppliers to look elsewhere in the world market.. There just was not enough bring produced here in the United States to meet the demand. During that time, Florida was in a construction boom after devastating hurricanes had plundered the state. A few Chinese drywall manufacturers were contracted to fill the void.

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The Chinese use water to scrub the equipment in coal-fueled power plants and mines It is believed the Chinese drywall manufacturers reused this toxin laden water to mix with the gypsum used in making plasterboard. When these drywalls were contained in a tight area, such as when covered with sheetrock and paint in a home, the toxic gasses can accumulate and reek havoc. The waste materials from the reused water produce a horrible smell if exposed to humidity and will corrode metals like the copper used in pipes and electrical wiring.

Air conditioner coils, which condensate as part of the cooling process, are highly susceptible to these toxins. In Florida, AC units can run close to year round. Not only do the toxins give off foul smelling fumes when moistened, but they damage the copper coils as well. The dripping can cause the dirty water to spread, seeping throughout the walls in the house and into the foundation. It's no wonder the homeowners in that state are concerned about the Chinese drywall in their houses, as are the health officials and legislators.

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