Update: The following courtesy of Hampton Roads REALTOR(R) Association.
The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigated air quality and other issues related to Chinese-made drywall after more and more homeowners discovered problems due to the drywall. A report, released Thursday, says the federal task force investigators found elevated levels of two elements in some Chinese drywall: sulfur and strontium. But the report did not link the drywall to health problems, foul smells or corrosion reported by homeowners, saying additional scientific testing was needed. Those results will be released in November. Long term exposure studies are scheduled to be completed by June of 2010. Click here to read the full story from WAVY-TV. Click here to access the CPSC draft executive summary from the study. Click here to access the CPSC’s Drywall Information Center for further information
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I have repeatedly “harped” on the importance of knowing who the builder’s subcontractors are and their reputation when considering new construction real estate in Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads. Always conduct your due diligence from the plumbing to the landscaping.
The following real estate information is derived from the Virginia Beach Pilot Hampton Roads Section and ASHI Reporter Volume 26 #3, March 2009.
Courtesy of Coastal Inspection Services, LLC
Background: The issue surrounds drywall and drywall mud from China from manufacturers in he late 1990’s. This drywall was imported and used (in the US) in the time period fro 2004 to 2006. This time period unfortunately coincides with the housing boom and drywall shortage.
Original focus was that this was going to be seen just in Florida, but now as seen in papers and on the news is being found in Hampton Roads.
Issue: Due to components of the drywall (elevated levels of sulfur) it is causing corrosion of copper wiring (turning black in the panel), A/C unit coils to corrode/fail, tarnishing jewelry, door stops to tarnish and turn black, and can even shorten the life of TV’s and microwaves due to internal corrosion.
Health Concerns: The possibility that the Chinese drywall is emitting excessive amounts of hydrogen sulfide fumes and ammonia gas which can cause extreme irritation, unconsciousness, and even death. There are no recorded cases supporting this health concern and as of March 1, 2009 the Department of Health in Florida reported “no immediate health threat”.
Chesapeake, Virginia health officials said the elevated levels of sulfur could cause respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints in sensitive people, but long term effects are unknown.
Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Hampton Roads Real Estate: As reported in the Virginia Pilot The Dragas Companies said a sub contractor installed the imported drywall in about 50 homes at The Hampshires at Greenbriar in Chesapeake and six homes in Cromwell Park in Virginia Beach.
Warning Signs:
- Homes built between 2004 and 2006
- Complaints from home owners in line with the effects of the Chinese drywall
- Find an area where back of drywall is exposed (i.e., attic, garage) and look for the words “CHINA”, “KNAUF”, or C36 stamped on the back or edges of the tape.
- Go look at a number of electrical receptacles and copper wiring along with the A/C coil for black corrosion.
Now more important than ever to get a home inspection when purchasing Virginia Beach or Hampton Roads Real Estate.
Asbestos and real estate – be aware of the hazards
