There have been a number of news articles recently reporting cases of Toxic Chinese Drywall. “Toxic” may be a bit of a media overstatement, but several independent laboratories have confirmed the presence of harmful fumes emanating from Chinese-made drywall. In the right environment, these fumes can damage property and may cause health problems.

Studies show that Chinese drywall has the potential to off-gas various fumes and vapors - at least some of which are sulfur-based. In a closed environment, which many homes have today, these gases accumulate and concentrate in the indoor atmosphere. When these fumes come in contact with moisture on sweating plumbing pipes or air conditioning coils, a sulfur compound is formed that includes sulfuric acid. This compound corrodes the coils, turning them black, and eventually causing damage. It also attacks the solder joints of copper plumbing, copper wiring, and other metal in the home. Many homes have had air conditioning systems repaired or replaced because of accumulated corrosive damage to those systems.

In addition, the potential for harm to people and animals is also a real concern. Homeowners have reported symptoms, such as nosebleeds, itchy eyes, and respiratory problems. Health concerns increase for those who may be particularly susceptible, such as the very young, the very old, those already ill, and persons using immunosuppressant drugs.

Indications of the presence of Chinese drywall in a home include:

• 1) Sulfur odors, usually associated with a rotten egg smell

  2) Metal in the home that is turning black or being pitted, with no other obvious cause, such as pipes, wiring, light fixtures, jewelry, etc.

   

If restoration work is required, it is important to call a professional mitigation/restoration company such as PuroClean. PuroClean professionals are certified and fully trained. They will adhere to all safety requirements when working around contaminated materials. They will ensure that there is no cross-contamination of these toxic materials or fumes inside of the structure, and that all removed materials and cleaning solutions are disposed of in the proper manner, as required by regulations.

Regardless of the circumstances - dealing with Toxic Chinese Drywall, responding to water damage, fire/smoke damage, or mold damage - call Puroclean at 1-954-775-3805. For all property damage situations, our professionals are standing by. Puroclean will mitigate the loss to prevent further damage and will then provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. Puroclean has well-trained professional technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire, smoke, mold, and other disasters.

CALL 1-954-775-3805 FOR AN ESTIMATE OR INSPECTION ON YOUR PROPERTY.