Detection and Confirmation of Defective Drywall

Natural Disasters, economic recovery and growth have stimulated the construction industry in the Southeastern U.S. with the demand for new and refurbished housing. While this has been a benefit to the economy, it has generated many consumer issues with Defective (Chinese) Drywall imported to meet the demand. Starting in 2001, large quantities of drywall were imported with peak volumes in 2006 and 2007. Homeowners soon began to complain of odor and corrosion issues within their homes. With complaints coming in from the upper Midwest to the SE United States, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) launched investigations and determined there was a link between certain imported drywall and consumer's complaints.

The CPSC studies on the defective drywall determined that it contained native Sulfur & Strontium at higher levels when compared to domestically produced drywall. The connection was made between elevated levels of these compounds and the corroded metal surfaces within the structure. The CPSC's recommendation to remedy impacted homes is to first confirm the presence of the defective materials and then have it replaced.

TestAmerica, The Leader in Environmental Testing, has applied its expertise in analytical chemistry to develop a comprehensive analytical service designed to accommodate the total environmental monitoring needs associated with the identification and remediation of defective drywall, also referred to as Chinese Drywall. This practical and cost-effective suite of analyses to aid in the identification and confirmation of defective drywall consists of analysis for:

Elemental Sulfur

Elemental Sulfur is very reactive and corrosive. Under certain conditions it may produce hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur containing gaseous compounds that have a characteristic foul (rotten eggs) odor and attack bare metal surfaces within the structure. The FDOH has determined that Elemental Sulfur content above 10 PPM is indicative of defective drywall.

TestAmerica analyzes Total Sulfur by EPA Method 8270 (U.S. EPA SOP - ERT/REAC SOP # 1811) using GC/MS technology that specifically identifies Sulfur with a reporting limit less than 1PPM. Our low level reporting limit insures that samples with elevated levels of Sulfur will be identified for potential removal or remediation.

Elemental Strontium

Strontium is present in the naturally occurring gypsum deposits. Strontium levels in drywall associated with the indoor corrosion have been shown to be present above 2500 PPM. HUD and the CPSC have determined that levels in excess of 1200 PPM are characteristic of defective drywall.

TestAmerica analyzes Total Strontium by EPA SW-846 methods using the latest technology to report the data that is used to differentiate the drywall sample source.

Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen Sulfide has been determined to be the primary corrosive agent for metal surfaces. Hydrogen Sulfide is a highly reactive gas and even at very low concentrations has been linked to the corrosive effects seen in impacted buildings. The challenge is maintaining sample integrity during sample handling and shipping. The hydrogen sulfide may react with the sample container producing low or non-detect results in the sample. To overcome this issue, TestAmerica utilizes a Radiello diffusive sampler and cartridge to collect a sample of the air over a 1-15 day period for analysis. The technique uses a sorbent media to stabilize the reactive hydrogen sulfide, which can then be analyzed.

TestAmerica offers these three tests as part of the detection and confirmation process that has been recommended by the FDOH, HUD and the CPSC.

Sample Collection and Preservation

Elemental Sulfur and Total Strontium require a 3-inch square piece of drywall for analysis. Placed in a sealed plastic bag for transport, the sample requires no additional preservation.

Hydrogen Sulfide analysis requires the use of a Radiello diffusive sampler and cartridge code 170. These supplies can be obtained from TestAmerica for your project. Upon sample collection, the cartridge should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and returned to TestAmerica for analysis.