


1.    Question: How do I know if my home has defective Chinese drywall?

Answer: Currently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission doesn’t list any definitive actions to take.

However, here are a few things to look for:

  • Your home suffers from noxious sulfur odors, also described as a “rotten egg-like” smell. Many homes with Chinese drywall have this tell-tale odor, but others do not. The odor can range from severe to barely noticeable.
  • You experience health problems such as: nose bleeds, respiratory problems, headaches, sinus problems.
  • You find corrosion and blackening of certain metals in your home.
  • You suffer frequent failure of electrical and piping systems, such as air conditioning units.

2.    Question: Does defective Chinese drywall pose any health risks to me or my family, especially my young children?

Answer: The Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently investigating reported health concerns to determine how they may be related to Chinese-made drywall and to assess their possible long-term health effects. For more information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site.

Symptoms frequently reported include:

  • Irritated and itchy eyes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A persistent cough
  • Bloody nose
  • Runny nose
  • Recurrent headaches
  • Sinus infections
  • Asthma attacks

3.    Question: Is there anything that I can do to repair my home if it has been affected by Chinese drywall?

Answer: The Florida Department of Health reports currently that the best way to repair your home is to remove and replace the Chinese drywall.  Other remedies, such as painting the drywall or using ozone generators, have not proved effective.

4.    Question: What should I do if I have any of the common symptoms associated with the exposure to Chinese drywall?

Answer: It is recommended that you contact your physician as soon as possible and discuss these issues.  Make sure to bring with you the report from the Florida Department of Health so that your physician will know what toxins you, or your family, have likely been exposed to.

5.    Question: Are there any electrical or fire safety concerns if my home contains imported Chinese drywall?

Answer: Yes, complaints from homeowners include:

  • Failure of central air conditioning evaporator coils inside homes
  • Failure of appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, televisions, video game systems, and other electrical devices

6.    Question: Has the Chinese government responded to the Chinese drywall issue?

Answer: The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has been in contact with the government of China and it is cooperating with the investigations.

7.    Question: Why can’t the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just recall the defective Chinese drywall?

Answer: In order to recall a product, a trial must have taken place.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission must have scientific proof linking the drywall imported from China to health problems or electrical and fire safety issues. The commission is currently investigating the matter.