Chinese drywall is a term associated with defective or contaminated drywall. Initially, it was found that drywalls manufactured in China contained phosphogypsum. However, It contains radium, which is radioactive and can cause lung cancer with constant exposure. Even though this material is banned in the US, it is still used in China, a significant drywall exporter in the US. At the start, the use of Chinese drywall wasn’t deemed much of a threat, but today, it is considered a health hazard that also damages the structure of homes.
Read on to discover all the dangers of having Chinese drywall in your home.
Dangers of Chinese Drywall and How it Causes Damage
Health Issues
Chinese drywalls cause numerous health issues. If you have contaminated drywall in your home, you might suffer from irritated or itchy skin and eyes. Breathing difficulty, bloody nose, recurring headache, runny nose, sore throats, and sinus infections are just some of the other symptoms you might have. In severe cases, it can even cause asthma attacks.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above when you’re at home and disappear when you’re away, it might be because you have contaminated Chinese drywall.
Property Damage
Contaminated drywall can cause severe damage to your property. Many cases have been reported in which the pipework and electrical wiring failed due to drywall corrosion. Electrical wiring failure leads to permanent damage to household appliances. For instance, appliances like refrigerators, TV sets, dishwashers, HVAC systems, and even video games stop working from time to time or fail to perform entirely. Moreover, Chinese drywall also decreases the value of your property significantly.
How to Spot Chinese Drywalls
A simple way to spot Chinese drywalls is to look for basic signs that commonly indicate their presence. These are:
- The stench of rotten eggs throughout your home
- Metal items are corroding or blackening within the walls. In some cases, they might even start to protrude out of the walls
- Recurring failure of HVAC system and other electrical appliances
Final Thoughts
Chinese drywall is hazardous for homes and their residents. Not only do they cause structural failure, but they also deteriorate your health. If you suspect your home has Chinese drywall, it is best to get it inspected by a professional so that you can get it replaced as soon as possible.
A Handy Home Inspector Home and Insurance Inspections can do the job for you. They specialize in making home inspections and will help you identify any toxic materials in your home’s structure.
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