Chinese Drywall

In April 2009, CapeCodOnline reported on the toxic effects of imported drywall that was causing illnesses from the out gassing of chemicals used in Chinese drywall. Even after testing, the cause remains unclear. What does seem clear is that there are no manufacturing standards for drywall, a commonly used building material. Questions of Coal Ash being used are particularly troubling.

.
The drywall furor is the latest in a series of scares over potentially toxic imports from China. In 2007, Chinese authorities ratcheted up inspections and tightened restrictions on exports after manufacturers were found to have exported tainted cough syrup, a toxic pet food ingredient and toys decorated with lead paint.

.

And let's not forget the Chinese Fur Farms . Did anyone notice that the imported winter clothing from China has "fur" or "leather" trim or is made from "fur" or "leather" and the origin is never labelled?
.
Scientists hope to understand the problem by studying the chemicals in the board. Drywall consists of wide, flat boards used to cover walls. It is often made from gypsum, a common mineral that can be mined or manufactured from the byproducts of coal-fired power plants.
.
The federal government does not regulate the chemical ingredients of imported drywall.
.
Chinese Drywall Problem Far Reaching reports on the chemical components --
According to the Associated Press, the fact that it was made with fly ash - a waste product of coal burning - could provide a clue. The process of “scrubbing” the smokestack emissions creates calcium sulfate, or gypsum, which can then used to make drywall. In the U.S., drywall is also made from fly ash, but the material is taken from the smokestack, where it is scrubbed. This produces a cleaner product. But in China, the fly ash may have been obtained before it made its way to the smokestack. according to the Associated Press, this creates a “less refined” product.
.
The Chinese samples contained traces of strontium sulfide while the American sample did not. Strontium sulfide is a gray powder that emits a hydrogen sulfide, or “rotten eggs,” odor when exposed to moist air. The three Chinese samples also contained higher levels of hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide than the American drywall. All of these compounds are potentially toxic, and carbon disulfide in liquid form is extremely flammable.

Chinese Drywall, Behind the Smell: Uncommonly High Sulfur Levels
Homeowner Problems With Chinese-Made Drywall Spread
Chinese drywall: What to look for