Surviving Exposure to Chinese Drywall Contamination

by | Jan 14, 2013 | Construction and Maintenance

Custom homes in Florida that were built between 2001 and 2008 should be fully inspected to ensure that they do not contain Chinese drywall. This drywall was shipped into the United States in huge proportions. Although it hit the southern states the worst, anyone in the country needs to find out where their drywall came from if they purchased any during this time period. The toxic drywall contains dangerous chemicals which include sulfur, phosphogypsum and strontium. If these chemicals come into contact with moisture, then they could become an airborne lethal cocktail that could ruin the health of the people who live in the home and damage the home to the point of having it condemned until repairs are made. There are complex protocols in place to cleanse homes that have Chinese drywall through a remediation process. It is important to have a company that is fully qualified to complete the remediation process in your home.

Testing Your Home Thoroughly For Tainted Drywall

Any professional inspector will be able to tell you whether or not you have contaminated drywall after a quick inspection of your home. Signs include a blackened appearance on the walls, an odor of sulfur throughout the home and corroded wiring in your electrical appliances. They may also ask you if you have had any health problems, because many people have reported trouble breathing when they have been exposed to the bad drywall. If you want to do a basic test yourself that is completely unscientific, you could place a piece of silver such as a silver necklace near the return filter of your central air unit. If your home has tainted drywall, then the silver will start showing signs of corrosion. It is important to note that a DIY test should not take the place of having a professional inspect your home.

How widespread is the Contaminated Drywall Problem

Contaminated drywall has been reported in more than thirty states in the United States. Florida was hit hard, and they have had approximately eleven million square feet of the contaminated drywall brought into the state. The whole crisis has been catastrophic for homeowners. Many people seek the services of a remediation team to help them cleanse their home. This process can totally eradicate the harmful chemicals and mold from your home. Most people can file a lawsuit to recover their damages. However, they need evidence that they really do have contaminated drywall in their home first. A remediation service can help to preserve that evidence so that their attorney can have solid evidence to work with. You need to ask plenty of questions when you speak to a remediation company, to ensure that they have the experience that is needed to make your home completely safe. They should have insurance, and they should be able to answer your questions with ease. If they seem hesitant, then you should probably move on to find another company.

J.J. Staten Homes has a solid reputation for building custom homes in Florida. They also offer remediation services in the State of Florida.

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