CPSC has received about 3,418 reports from residents in 37 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico who believe their health symptoms or the corrosion of certain metal components in their homes are related to problem drywall. State and local authorities have also received similar reports.<\/p>\n
![\"How](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/how.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: <\/strong>We are currently not aware of any definitive test to determine if a home has problem drywall. \t\t\t\tNevertheless, you might consider contacting your homebuilder to ask about the materials used in construction.<\/p>\n Consumers raising concerns about drywall have typically identified a “rotten egg” smell within their house, several \t\t\t\thealth symptoms while in the home, and corrosion or blackening of certain metal items. Consumers have also reported \t\t\t\tfrequent failures of copper piping in air conditioning units.<\/p>\n (This document was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and may not \t\t\t\t\tnecessarily reflect the views of, the Commission.) Respuesta: <\/strong>En este momento no conocemos de ninguna prueba definitiva para determinar si una residencia tiene paneles de yeso problem\u00e1ticos. No obstante, usted podr\u00eda considerar comunicarse con el constructor de su casa para preguntarle sobre los materiales usados en la construcci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n Los consumidores que han reportado una preocupaci\u00f3n sobre sus paneles de yeso han identificado un olor a \u201chuevo podrido\u201d dentro de sus casas, varios problemas de salud mientras est\u00e1n en su residencia y la corrosi\u00f3n de algunos art\u00edculos de metal y la presencia de holl\u00edn negro sobre \u00e9stos. Adem\u00e1s, los consumidores han reportado fallas frecuentes de las tuber\u00edas de cobre de sus unidades de aire acondicionado.<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>We recommend four steps:<\/p>\n (This document was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and may not \t\t\t\t\tnecessarily reflect the views of, the Commission.)<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>To date, the CPSC has received about 3,418 reports from residents in 37 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico who believe their health symptoms or the corrosion of certain metal components in their homes are related to the presence of drywall produced in China. State and local authorities have also received similar reports. We received our first incident report from a consumer on December 22, 2008. The majority of the reports to the CPSC have come from consumers residing in the State of Florida while others have come from consumers in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n Consumers largely report that their homes were built in 2006 to 2007, when an unprecedented increase in new construction occurred in part due to the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005.Common features of the reports submitted to the CPSC from homes believed to contain problem drywall have been:<\/p>\n (This document was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and may not \t\t\t\t\tnecessarily reflect the views of, the Commission.)<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>The most frequently reported symptoms are irritated and itchy eyes and \t\t\t\tskin, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, bloody noses, runny noses, \t\t\t\trecurrent headaches, sinus infection, and asthma attacks. Since many consumers \t\t\t\treport that their symptoms lessen or go away when they are away from their \t\t\t\thome, but return upon re-entry, it appears that these symptoms are short-term and \t\t\t\trelated to something within the home.<\/p>\n We are aggressively investigating if scientific evidence exists linking chemical \t\t\t\temissions from the drywall to the reported health complaints. At this time, \t\t\t\thowever, any such relationship or long-term health effects are unknown.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>What should I do if I have any of the symptoms described as common \t\t\t\tto exposure to problem drywall?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>Please consult your physician as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>Should I hire an air quality tester or a firm to remove and replace the \t\t\t\tdrywall?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>We cannot advise whether or not to take such steps. We are still \t\t\t\tinvestigating the problem.<\/p>\n Please be cautious, however, of persons or businesses advertising testing and \t\t\t\tremediation services – there may be unqualified or dishonest individuals seeking \t\t\t\tto take advantage of consumers struggling to address this issue. You should \t\t\t\tconsult your State and local authorities if you have any questions or concerns \t\t\t\tabout contractors or testing companies promising solutions to these drywall \t\t\t\tmatters.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>What are the electrical or fire safety concerns and what I should I \t\t\t\twatch for in my house?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>Consumers have reported blackened and corroded metal in their homes. \t\t\t\tParticularly, consumers have reported failures of certain components such as: (1) \t\t\t\tpremature failures of central air conditioning evaporator coils located indoors as \t\t\t\tpart of the central air conditioning unit air handler; and (2) intermittent operation \t\t\t\tor failure of appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, and electronic \t\t\t\tdevices such as televisions and video game systems.<\/p>\n Please see the FAQ below if you have questions about gas service.<\/p>\n You should generally watch for the following potential electrical hazards in your \t\t\t\thome:<\/p>\n Power outages – <\/strong> a circuit breaker which needs resetting frequently without any \t\t\t\tapparent cause; especially if a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or arc fault \t\t\t\tcircuit interrupter (AFCI) trips frequently. Arc-fault circuit interrupters are a \t\t\t\tspecial kind of circuit breaker that is designed to detect arcing conditions in the \t\t\t\telectrical wiring.<\/p>\n Dim\/flickering lights – <\/strong>lights dim often without any specific cause, such as the air \t\t\t\tconditioner or the refrigerator turning on.<\/p>\n Arcs\/sparks – <\/strong>bright flashes or showers of sparks anywhere in your electrical \t\t\t\tsystem.<\/p>\n Sizzles\/buzzes – <\/strong>unusual sounds from electrical system devices.<\/p>\n Overheating – <\/strong>parts of your electrical system, such as switch plates, dimmer \t\t\t\tswitches, receptacle outlet covers, cords and plugs may be warm as a normal \t\t\t\tconsequence of their operation but should not be discolored from heat or painful \t\t\t\tto touch.<\/p>\n Odors – <\/strong>pungent smells such as strong fumes from overheating plastic or \t\t\t\telectrical insulation materials.<\/p>\n Electrical shocks – <\/strong>any shock, even a mild tingle.<\/p>\n Multiple symptoms would be a stronger indication of problems.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>What should I do if I suspect the corrosion has affected my gas \t\t\t\tservice?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>If you suspect corrosion has affected your gas service, please consult your \t\t\t\tgas supplier immediately.<\/p>\n However, if you suspect a gas leak in or outside your home:<\/strong><\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>What should I do if I experience any of the electrical or fire safety \t\t\t\tconcerns common to exposure to problem drywall?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>Please consult your local gas or electric supplier and a licensed electrician \t\t\t\tor building inspector, as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Please see the FAQ above if you have questions about gas service.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>Can you visit my home to test the air and to tell me if I have a \t\t\t\tproblem with my drywall?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>During our investigation, a number of homes will be visited to conduct \t\t\t\ttests and gather samples, but we cannot visit every potential house and conduct a \t\t\t\tscreening.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>What builders used the drywall in question?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>We are still investigating the scope of the drywall problem. We are \t\t\t\tworking to identify the links from foreign manufacturers to the U.S. consumers in \t\t\t\tconsultation with the Chinese government and the U.S. Customs and Border \t\t\t\tProtection.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>Why doesn’t the CPSC just recall the drywall?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>CPSC cannot order someone to conduct a recall without a trial. Our case \t\t\t\ton behalf of consumers will have to be driven by scientific proof linking the drywall and the health problems \t\t\t\tor the electrical and fire safety issues, which we are aggressively pursuing.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>Why didn’t the CPSC catch this problem drywall before it was \t\t\t\tinstalled in homes?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>CPSC does not have the legal authority to perform pre-market testing and \t\t\t\tapproval of products. In addition, this is a unique situation given that drywall has \t\t\t\tnot presented problems such as these in the past.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>What has been the response of the Chinese government?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>CPSC is in contact with the Chinese government, which is cooperating \t\t\t\twith our investigation. The Chinese authorities have offered to arrange for a \t\t\t\tChinese official to travel to the United States in support of our investigation.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n Question: <\/strong>When will we know the results of the investigation?<\/p>\n Answer: <\/strong>Although we have urgently committed significant resources to this \t\t\t\tproblem, gathering evidence and conducting the necessary tests will take time. It \t\t\t\tcould be months before we can confidently address the scientific relationships \t\t\t\tbetween the problem drywall and the health and safety concerns raised by \t\t\t\tconsumers.<\/p>\n Be assured that, as our investigation progresses, we are committed to updating consumers \t\t\t\tregularly with as much information as possible.<\/p>\n Back to Top<\/a><\/p>\n (This document was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and may not \t\t\t\t\tnecessarily reflect the views of, the Commission.)<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n We service the following areas of northeast Florida:<\/strong>Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fernandina, Amelia Island, Callahan, Yulee, Hillard, Macclenny, St George, St Marys, Kingsland, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Penny Farms, St Augustine, Hastings, Palatka, Keystone Heights, Starke, Lake City, Waldo, Baldwin, St Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, \u00a0Palm Coast, Daytona, Holly Hill, Titusville, Daytona Shores, Ormond Beach, Bunnell, Deland, Orange City, Port Orange, Orlando, New Smyrna Beach, Sanford, Palm Valley, Fruitcove, Mandarin, Lawtey, St. Augustine Beach, Switzerland, Vilano Beach, \u00a0Marineland, Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, Sanderson, and Glen St. Mary.<\/p>\n STATE CERTIFIED CONTRACTOR LICENSE NUMBER\u00a0 CFCO56659<\/strong><\/p>\n STATE CERTIFIED GENERAL CONTRACTOR\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CGC1504600<\/strong><\/p>\n NOW HIRING<\/strong><\/p>\n apply for a job online at www.asapapply.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n CLICK BELOW AND PLACE A WORK ORDER<\/p>\n IN OUR AUTOMATED WORK ORDER SYSTEM<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.asap-plumbing.com\/Submit_a_New_Work_Order\/submit_a_new_work_order.php<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong>Serving the entire Jacksonville area including the following communities:<\/p>\n![\"Picture](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/exposed.jpg\")
\nThe back-side of this drywall (not normally visible to the resident) is labeled as “MADE IN CHINA.”<\/p>\n![\"Picture](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/samples.jpg\")
\nThe smaller sample (slightly gray in color) was taken from drywall which was removed
\nfrom the home and replaced with new wallboard (white in color).<\/p>\n![\"Picture](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/receptacle.jpg\")
\nThe ground wire connected to the green screw is blackened and corroded.
\nThis wire should be copper-colored.<\/p>\n![\"Picture](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/lighting.jpg\")
\nThis bathroom lighting fixture is pitted and corroded.<\/p>\n![\"Picture](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/coils.jpg\")
\nThe copper coils on this air conditioner unit are blackened and corroded.<\/p>\n![\"Picture](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/plumbing.jpg\")
\nThis copper pipe is blackened.<\/div>\n
\n![\"\u00bfC\u00f3mo](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/howsp.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"What](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/what.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"Where](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/where.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNumber (and Percentage) of Reports by State<\/h3>\n
![\"Distribution](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/drywalldist.jpg\")
Detailed Breakdown by State<\/a> (PDF)<\/div>\n\n
![\"Other](\"http:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/info\/drywall\/images\/faqs.jpg\")
Question: <\/strong>What are the health symptoms and risks?<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n