Chinese drywall could be present in your home if it was built or extensively remodeled between 2004 and 2008. Due to the building boom and major hurricane damage during those years, drywall had to be imported for the first time. Unfortunately, Chinese drywall has high levels of chemicals that we do not find in drywall made in the United States.
- Presence of sulfur smell or other strange odor
- Corrosion of copper pipes, especially on the air conditioning unit. Instead of seeing a copper pipe, you will see one covered in a black, soot-like coating.
- The air conditioner evaporator coil located inside the air handling unit fails.
- Writing on the back of the drywall that says, “Made in China” or confirmed presence by builder.
- Confirmation by an outside expert.
BEWARE OF SCAMS!!! This is Florida, after all. DO NOT pay someone to come take an air test, as to date, there is no air test for Chinese drywall. The easiest way to tell if it may be an issue are items 1-3 above. If you are not sure, call your air conditioner technician. DO NOT pay someone to spray anything on your walls. There is no product currently being backed by anyone that can contain the dangerous substances found in the drywall
For important updates on Chinese drywall from, sign up at Florida’s State Department of Health