Toxic Chinese Drywall Corrodes Pipes and Wires in American Homes

by Heidi Stevenson

24 November 2009

A link between Chinese-manufactured drywall and corrosion of pipes and wires in new American homes supports claims from thousands of homeowners, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They have also found a potential link between health problems of some homeowners associated with hydrogen sulphide outgassing from the wallboard, likely in association with formaldehyde, which is commonly found in new homes.

Yet, the CPSC is refusing to issue a recall, ban, or any other action, saying that further studies are needed. Thousands of homeowners are left hanging.

One condo owner, Joan Glickman, had to move out of her home after failures in wiring and air conditioning. She's disappointed with the lack of help, saying, "It was a huge letdown because it still didn't tell me how to fix it, who's going to fix it, how do we go about fixing it, where the money comes from. This has left us in such a mess."

The theory that there's a connection between hydrogen sulphide and formaldehyde in these cases is disputed by the tradegroup, Formaldehyde Council, which claims that there is no scientific evidence to support it.

The strongest indication that your home contains toxic drywall is an unexplained rotten egg odor from the sulphur.