Fact Sheets for Families and Communities

Health Effects from Chinese Drywall (Revised)
Guidance for Parents and Families 

 

1. It is likely that the levels of these gases attained after exposure to problem Chinese manufactured drywall were sufficient to cause adverse health effects.
2. It is not likely that the levels attained after exposure to typical American-manufactured drywall were sufficient to cause adverse health effects.
3. No conclusions are available about the likelihood of problem American drywall to cause adverse health effects, due to limited data.

• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
  • Hydrogen sulfide appears to be present in higher concentrations in most affected homes as compared to homes unaffected by Chinese drywall.
  • Hydrogen sulfide has a low odor threshold, meaning it can be detected by humans at very low levels. This is especially true in newly built homes that have less air leakage between the outdoors and indoors.
  • The Hydrogen sulfide measured both in the homes and in laboratory tests is below ATSDR’s “minimum risk level” of 20ppb. The fact that the measured level is less than the “minimum risk level” does not mean that Hydrogen sulfide is not causing symptoms.
  • Hydrogen sulfide release from drywall appears to occur more at higher home humidity levels.
  • Corrosion of copper and silver building materials, associated with elevated Hydrogen sulfide levels, are consistently found in houses affected with CDW.
• Strontium
  
  • Elevated strontium levels have been found in CDW compared to non-affected drywall, but do not appear to pose any health risk.
  • The measurement of strontium levels in suspected drywall using portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) is fairly accurate for affected CDW when used together with measurement of carbonate absorbance.

1. Reduce exposure to problem drywall to the extent practical.
   1. Where possible, if the Chinese drywall can be removed and replaced, this is appropriate. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has allowed for a tax deduction for costs associated with replacing “corrosive drywall”. IRS Publication 547 is the most recent publication that describes this deduction and instructions on how to qualify.
   2. To the extent feasible, increase home ventilation and determine if the symptoms improve. (Since the goal is to increase fresh air intake and exhaust of indoor air, setting the thermostat to run all of the time will not achieve this goal unless the thermostat also
      controls fresh air intake.)
   3. Cleaning vents or ducts is unlikely to reduce exposure to problem gases.
2. Reduce the relative humidity in the home to between 40 - 50%. (High humidity may increase hydrogen sulfide formation.) Correct potential home safety hazards associated with problem drywall
   1. If corrosion of copper and silver building materials are noted, it is recommended that electrical distribution components such as switches, receptacles and circuit breakers be replaced. Copper wiring may or may not need to be replaced. HVAC plumbing (such as air exchange coils and coolant tubing) may or may not need to be replaced, depending on the extent of corrosion. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should also be replaced.
   2. If corrosion of copper and silver building material are noted, it is recommended that all fusible types of fire sprinkler-heads (typically found in commercial buildings) be replaced.
   3. Gas service pipes with evidence of corrosion should be inspected and may or may not need to be replaced. The amount of corrosion is often minimal compared to pipe thickness.
3. Minimize environmental factors that make illness symptoms worse.
   1. Eliminate other irritants from the home environment to the extent possible, such as secondhand tobacco smoke and harsh cleaners (e.g., those with a strong odor themselves).
   2. Use high quality air filters on central heating/ cooling systems to minimize dust and other particulate irritants from recirculating throughout the home.
4. Assistance to help a family cope with stress may be needed. Raising a family and taking care of children is challenging when there are tough economic conditions, and ongoing illness and worry about possible chronic health effects can increase stress and further complicate the health of parents and children. Moving from one home to another can cause additional stress. Children can sense stress and become anxious or upset if no one communicates with them. Some children may develop a range of stress-related symptoms. Parents should:
   
   1. Watch for signs of stress such as sleep problems, behavior change, change in school performance, increased fighting with siblings, and substance abuse.
   2. Take steps to talk with their children and help them understand and cope with the situation. Local mental health organizations are good resources to assist parents in helping children cope with stress.
   3. Make their child’s physician aware of any signs of stress they observe in their child or teen.
5. Obtain appropriate medical care.
   
   1. Where health effects are present, it is helpful to have medical care coordinated by your primary care health care provider.
   2. Changes in health status should be discussed with your primary health care provider.
   3. For persistent respiratory health effects the primary care physician may recommend a
      specialist. Referrals of:
      1. Adults to a pulmonologist and/or environmental medicine specialist may be useful.
      2. Children to a pediatric pulmonologist and/or pediatric environmental medicine specialist may prove valuable in mitigating the severity of illness.
      3. A Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) can assist families or physicians in identifying pediatric environmental medicine specialists. The PEHSU serving the Southeast US can be reached at 1-877-33-PEHSU (1-877-337-3478).
6. Ongoing medical observation
   1. There is not enough information available to make any specific recommendations about steps needed during long term medical follow up, if any, after exposure to gases released from problem drywall.