Chinese Drywall Inspection in Miami
How can I tell if my home or the home I wish to purchase has problem drywall?
The presence of drywall imported from China in a home is not considered to be the primary problem; instead, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) suggests people focus on the occurrence of premature and severe copper corrosion. DOH developed a case definition and a user-friendly step by step self-assessment guide so that a homeowner or inspector can determine if their home has the signs typically found in homes with this problem. The most definitive way to determine if drywall in a home is imported from China is to locate “Made in China” markings on the back of a sheet of drywall. It is likely to require the cutting of holes in the drywall.
During our inspection of several homes, DOH staff observed some drywall in homes with either no discernable markings or markings with no indication of the origin of manufacturer. The source of unmarked or nondescript marked drywall is unknown. DOH observed that many homes contained a mixture of Chinese drywall and drywall marked as made in the USA. Remember that we do not know how many sheets of the suspect drywall can cause problems. DOH staff did observe at least one home with marked Chinese drywall that showed none of the associated corrosion or odor problems.
Does this phenomenon pose a health hazard to me, my children, or pets?
It is undetermined at this time. DOH has not identified data suggesting an imminent or chronic health hazard at this stage. DOH will continue to review all available evidence to help determine a more definitive answer to this question.
Will the Health Department sample and test my home for corrosive gasses or the presence of Chinese drywall?
At this time DOH can not visit most homes to collect air or material samples for analysis. However, DOH is proceeding with a study on a few selected homes to better understand the phenomenon and occupant exposures in homes with this problem. This evaluation will occur over the next couple of months in conjunction with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As the results are available, we will post findings and updated guidance on this website.
Is there a test for “Chinese drywall”?
At this time we are unaware of any state or federal agency that has validated a particular test for drywall to determine if it will emit corrosive gases in a building under normal conditions. Currently, we can only recommend a visual assessment or a Chinese drywall inspection following our step by step self-assessment guide for problem drywall. Private laboratories, consultants, and government agencies have been testing drywall to understand the differences between American and imported drywall. We know of no one who has validated a test capable of detecting drywall that emits reduced sulfur gases under the same conditions that occur in the homes that are currently exhibiting copper corrosion. We all look forward to peer-reviewed and published procedures that meet this need.
Will you tell me which builder or community has imported drywall?
It is a defective materials issue and not a particular builder or community issue. At this time, the best method of determining if a building is impacted is to use our case definition and our step by step self-assessment guide.
Is the Chinese drywall radioactive?
Testing of the drywall for radiation demonstrated low levels of the kind of radiation you would expect from materials derived from rocks. This radiation is part of the natural background level in our environment. We have posted our radiological analysis report (76 KB PDF) for your information.
Who can evaluate, repair, remediate or fix my home for this issue?
Environmental consultants, licensed plumbers, electricians, air-conditioning contractors, mechanical contractors and drywall contractors, home inspectors, your builder, electrical engineers, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning engineers, industrial hygienists, building scientists to name a few. Be advised that each group will bring with them their specialized expertise and experience and will likely be conducting a visual inspection for the presence of metal corrosion.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is offering advice on who you can hire to repair, remediate or fix your home. You can also verify a contractor or other licensed building trade professional’s license on their website.
Is there a known treatment to deal with suspect drywall emissions?
DOH is not currently aware of any proven and effective treatment method other than removal and replacement of the suspected or known source material. Claims of treatment involving ozone, coatings, and air cleaners should be scrutinized for evidence of proven effectiveness. The Office of the Attorney General of Florida recently posted a consumer alert> on this subject. DOH recommends against the use of ozone generators in occupied spaces since ozone is a highly reactive and irritating molecule and is considered hazardous to people and pets. See US Environmental Protection Agency report Ozone Generators That Are Sold as Air Cleaners.
Do the corrosive gasses absorb and re-emit from other surfaces or materials?
Based on reports from occupants and preliminary test results, this may be possible for some porous materials such as drywall and fabrics. It is uncertain whether this will affect materials such as concrete and lumber. The effectiveness of cleaning these materials is currently unknown.
Call (786) 477-5975 Today or Click To Schedule Online your Chinese Drywall Inspection Miami 24/7 Right From Our Website.
For other Atlantic Building Inspections services check out our mold inspection in Miami area.