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CPSC Links Chinese Drywall to Toxic Fumes

Owners of some 100K homes told to spend more time outdoors

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 24, 2009 3:56 AM CST

(Newser) – Americans who live in homes containing Chinese-made drywall should start spending more time outside in the fresh air, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned yesterday. The commission's investigators found "a strong association" with the imported drywall and the corrosion of metal and wire in homes, and with raised levels of hydrogen sulfide and formaldehyde, the Washington Post reports.

While the problem is widespread, it likely affects fewer than the 100,000 homes initially believed to be a problem, according to the commission. A CPSC task force is now working on ways to identify contaminated sheets of drywall without tearing down walls. In Florida, source of most of the complaints, some builders are offering to repair homes containing the drywall free of charge.

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A sign posted by the developers of Boynton Waters housing development around their Boynton Beach, Fla. neighborhood reads: "No Chinese Drywall Here." (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

A corroded air conditioner coil is seen at a Florida home built with Chinese drywall. (AP Photo/J. Meric)

A large chunk of Chinese drywall from a home in Davie, Fla., leans against the wall. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

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In ways still to be determined, hydrogen sulfide gas is being created in homes built with Chinese drywall. - CPSC report

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CPSC Links Chinese Drywall to Toxic Fumes